Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva said yesterday he would perform a ‘sathyakriyawa at the Muneswaram Kali Kovil on September 1 to prevent animal sacrifice

He told a news conference that last year too he had intervened and prevented the slaughter of animals.

“I have received information that the Kovil priests are planning to sacrifice animals this year too. I tried to talk with the priests and stop them from doing it but they say that according to their religion they have permission to do it and that they will somehow go through with this. Priests have no right to talk like that and neither do I. Whether it is Hinduism or in any other religion, killing is not encouraged.  So I invite all those who are against the killing of animals to join me in the morning to perform a ‘sathyakriyawa,” the minister said.

He said the Kovil priests had dashed coconuts and chanted waskavi against me but none of that affected me.

“As long as I am correct, no dashing of coconuts or chanting waskavi can hurt me. Kali Amman that I know and worship will never support animal sacrifice. I have been visiting the Kali Kovil for the past 40 years and I have her support and blessing for whatever I do. And I will not let anybody act according to their foul agendas in this country as long as I live,” he said.

However when journalists asked him what action he would take if the priests went ahead with the sacrifice, the minister said he was not somebody who would get into a swimming suit long before he came near the water.

By Jayashika Padmasiri

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)