Govt. to ban cattle slaughter

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told the ruling party’s parliamentary group yesterday the government would legislate against cattle slaughter soon.

He said it was a proposal mooted a long time ago, but could not be made into law.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane told Daily Mirror the Prime Minister made this proposal which was not objected to by any of those present. However, he said there would be no ban on beef imports as a redress to meat-eaters.

“This is a proposal that exists since the time of nationalist leader Anagarika Dharmapala. No government was able to legislate against it,” he said.

The Prime Minister has taken this decision in his capacity of the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. (Kelum Bandara)