Buddhist and Hindu priests repeatedly requested the sacrifice at the kovil that includes the killing of around 1000 animals to be annulled.

Animal sacrifices have been prohibited by a Cabinet decision made on June 24, 1979, and this prohibition came into effect from January 16, 1980.

At a time Sri Lanka is celebrating the 2600 Sri Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi, by no means can such slaughters be condoned, the clergy say.