Well Done – Daily Mirror Editor asks Communities to unite in support of Ban on Cattle Slaughter
– by Shenali D Waduge –
In an age when editorials are irrelevant as information is electronically available within seconds of events happening, the role of editors need to transform into one of championing causes, bringing people together and not dividing them and working towards the integrity and sovereignty of the nation. The Daily Mirror Editor has led the way by its 30th May editorial calling for all communities in Sri Lanka to unite in solidarity against cattle slaughter. It is a magnanimous gesture and one that needs to give the editor applause.
The calls for people to seriously review the issue of cattle slaughter and animal welfare was triggered with the self-immolation of Ven. Bowatte Indrarathana Thero though neither the media nor the Government were sensitive to the cause that forced the Thero to take his life.
His death should not go in vain. The issue of cattle slaughter has been championed by numerous people and institutes over a long period of time. It was not simply the religious element and as the Daily Mirror editor says the health of Sri Lankans gives further impetus for people to move away from eating meat. Nutritionists are confident that the nutrition of children will not suffer by not eating beef.
The Daily Mirror editor says “The Catholic and Christian community in Sri Lanka also needs to seriously consider the need to avoid cattle slaughter as a first step to move towards vegetarianism as an act of unity with the Buddhist and Hindu people”. The editor goes on to urge the Catholic Bishops Conference to consider possibility of supporting a ban on cattle slaughter as a first step to stopping the killing of any animal for human consumption.
We commend the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo who appealed to Christians to avoid meat eating during the Vesak season.
No Buddhist, Hindu or modern day Christian would oppose legislation to provide environment for the better treatment of animals and if this number more than 89% the Government has to listen to the majority voice and immediately ENACT THE ANIMAL WELFARE BILL.
We need a new culture of compassion, good morals and values and schools in particular must encourage children to treat animals with compassion.
Once again, we say well done to the Daily Mirror Editor, who has shown that editorials need to give good messages and bring communities together.
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In addition to the Daily Mirror, bloggers in Onlanka have fully supported the moves by the Bodhu Bala Sena and Sinhala Ravaya to abolish animal slaughter in our Theravada Buddhist State.
We appeal to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to embrace Lord Buddha’s teaching to lead a crusade against consumption of decomposing animal flesh not only during Holy Vesak but at all times.
DM generally is pro-West, pro-Indian (can imagine why) and anti-Govt… in this instance they have realized the actual clout of the Buddhists and also realize the volatile situation globally…. arms cant now defend people who are angry.. and when people get angry the power they hold is far more than what arms and ammunition can do….
Buddhism will prevail….
How can we seek solidarity on this issue when the Christians see flesh eating as a divine right, when a there are buddhists indulge in enjoying beef, when muslims consider blood letting an obligation.
What the government can consider is registering beef supliers, and the registered slaughter houses should maintain a manifest of animals slaughtered.
Next is to ban the trade of flesh around sacred cities, this include inclusion of beef preparations i their menus and serving them. There would be obvious protest by those who trade in tourism, but then toursts ought to respect our cultural values.
Finally it is important that people who maintain large herds of cattle …the Presidents realm …Amabalantota, Hambantota and beyond. Mr Rajapakse ought to make it a presidential prerogative.
Lets hope all Buddhists will unite for once and lets hope this will happen soon and lets hope the people who are makig such a big noise about this will practice what they preach and do not eat meat on the sly.AS for this happening Globally is nothing but a dream.
Due to worldwide shortage of food is envisaged the UN is encouraging eveybody to eat insects without any disgust. Some countries are already consuming them. Even in America some restaurents have hambugers with fried grass hoppers, beetles, termites, etc.
If all Buddhists in Sri Lanka can refrain from eating beef there will be 75% slump in the beef sale. Just imagine how many cattles will be saved.
I don’t think that we can totally ban on cattle slaughter, though.
Yes,
Do not kill the Harak.
East Vegetarian.
It is healthy and good for you.
Farmers may be affected, if the Harak eat the crops.
Therefore, keep all the Harak, tied.