I fully agree with Dr. Pethiyagoda in his letter to The Island on the above topic. The consumption of flesh will definitely lead to more killings of animals.

Our Kandy-based humanitarian organisation has saved many animals from slaughter since its inception in 1991. We have saved more than 10,000 animals. But we can save only about three to four animals a month. But the government slaughters more than 1,500 or more cattle a day. Then what about the goats, the pigs, the fowls and crustaceans. It may be over 100,000 in the whole country. So we need to give up eating flesh to bring down the demand for killing.

I have given public talks in schools showing films and asking people to give up eating flesh.

On the medical side, I suffered a heart attack in 1983. I had five heart attacks. The cardiologist at that time, Dr. S.R. de Silva, recommended an immediate by-pass abroad but due to lack of funds I had to seek other medical treatment.

I had acute hypertension and enlargement of the heart when I was 40 and they suspected malignant hypertension.

After giving up eating flesh and saving animals, I am at the age of 84, leading an active life.

In addition to meditation, I walk around the Kandy lake. Cardiologists say that my hearing has returned to normal with no ECG treatment charge.

I attribute this my religious life.