1. Now that the flurry and fury about the Colombo Mayor’s Abattoir is abating, SHALL WE GET DOWN TO THE BRASS TACKS, AND ALSO TO ACTION ?

2. Amidst others, we have read 3 telling letters in your valued newspaper. They are from Dr. A. Palihawadana, head of the Vegetarian Society - in his, "They die piece by piece.", Dr. D. P. Athukorale on beef and its effects on the human system, and by Mrs. Sagarika Kariyawasam, who is in the forefront of the present struggle for "Humane Slaughter."

These 3 letters should open the sleep drenched eyes of those who profess to care for all forms of life and "Humaneness."

3. The fact remains, that the old abattoir is yet functioning in all its inhumanity and cruelty. Conflicting figures are presented to us of the number of cattle slaughtered in Colombo, and throughout the country, for beef eaters that profess "humaneness" and care not a whit for the methods employed to slaughter what they eat.

4. In the early 1960’s, over 40 years ago, I was the Secretary of the Animal Welfare and Protection Association (AWPA). The Association commenced on a campaign for:

(a) Humane Slaughter and

(b) A renovation of the Colombo abattoir and

(c) Humane treatment of animals to be slaughtered.

"If Colombo commences, the rest of the country will follow" was our cry.

5. The Netherlands B.V. kindly contributed 17 Bolt Pistols and the Government of Finland contributed 10,000 Bolts, to commence our campaign.

1 and 2 members of the Association followed up month of delay to have the Ceylon Customs release the two parcels on arrival. A directive from Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, former prime Minister was required to finally solved the Customs hold up.

6. In 1964, and in the face of counter agitation, the Chairman of Ja -Ela Urban Council bravely came forward to offer his abattoir. He invited Heads of all Urban Councils to view the procedure. A large number were present, including members of the Ceylon Veterinary Association.

The Late Dr. Mrs. Hilary Perera, Veterinary Surgeon held the demonstration for all to see, and there was whole hearted agreement and congratulations to the Chairman - Ja-Ela Urban Council.

Moreover, and following, the Animal Welfare and Protection association brought a motion per Mr. Lal Salgado, MMC in the Colombo Municipal Council. Sad to relate, a Section of the Council, which has promised us their vote, sought fit to walk out of the chamber when the vote was called.

Soon thereafter, I had to relinquish my post as Secretary, Animal Welfare and Protection Association, and accompany my late husband on a foreign assignment. The whole 6 scheme of implementing the Scheme in Ja -Ela, and expanding it to other Local Bodies subsided.

7. Why, in the face of agonised letters to The island does the ceylon veterinary association which should be spear-heading the struggle, remain dumb and silent? Surely they have a file on the subject or had one in 1964?

Can the public hear through the medium of the island the views of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association? Do they or do they not recommend the Bolt and Bolt Pistol? What about costs? Is this not much less expensive and "Humane"?

What are the objections? The interested public must hear and humaneness to our slaughter animals must prevail.

Will the sri lanka veterinary association now have the courage to publish their learned opinion? Seminars and more argument will only delay the issue, while our animals undergo horrerdous slaughter.

Thank you, the Mayor of Colombo and The Island newspaper for giving the public the cause to think, and opportunity to write on the issue.
K. V. Nimal Indrani Perera
Colombo 3