Govt. says we’ll fix beef solution before rushing to ban

The Government will focus on improving beef imports before legislating a ban on cattle slaughter, Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

The Cabinet will tomorrow discuss import procedures and concessions for importers so that foreign beef can be provided to Lankans at affordable prices.

Equally on the agenda will be amendments to laws relating to banning cattle slaughter, a programme for aging cattle and instructions to local authorities.

“There is a need to introduce a methodology on the implementation of a ban on cattle slaughter,” Mr. Rambukwella said. “Imports need to be regularised. Measures such as removal of duty and importation of quality beef will be given attention at present,” he said. Cabinet will decide whether a committee needs to be appointed to look into all areas.

Mr. Rambukwella gave an assurance that amendments to the Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 and Cattle Slaughter Ordinance No. 09 of 1893 would be drafted and presented to parliament without delay.

“The House is now focused on the upcoming Budget but amendments won’t be delayed,” he said.

One issue requiring attention was how to redress some losses that a ban on cattle slaughter would cause. “Local authorities earn a considerable income from meat shops and stalls and this matter will be l ooked into,” Minister Rambukwella said.

“The Ministry of Local Government will also be instructed to make necessary amendments to laws passed by relevant local councils.”

The Cabinet last week approved Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s proposal to ban cattle slaughter.

The proposal stated that due to the rise of cattle slaughter there was a lack of livestock for traditional farming and measures were needed to strengthen the local dairy industry. The Government also emphasised its intention to reduce the substantial amount of foreign exchange spent on imported milk powder.