Recent rumours circulating on social media regarding a potential move to lift the ban on cattle slaughter, within the Kandy municipal limits, have been categorically denied by both the Kandy Mayor and representatives of the Muslim community.

The allegations suggested that there were attempts to bypass the long-standing ban implemented 14 years ago during the tenure of former Mayor Mahendra Ratwatte, to facilitate slaughter activities during the upcoming Hajj festival season.

In response to these rumours, former Mayor and current Basnayake Nilame of the Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Mahendra Ratwatte, addressed a formal letter to incumbent Mayor Chandrasiri Wijenayake. In his communication, Ratwatte expressed concerns over reports suggesting that some parties were lobbying for permission to resume animal slaughter, urging the municipal leadership to maintain the sanctity of the Sacred City of Kandy, which houses the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

However, the Kandy Mayor, Chandrasiri Wijenayake, firmly dismissed these claims. “There is no such move. Neither I nor the Municipal Commissioner have granted any permission for cattle slaughter, nor do we intend to do so,” the Mayor stated. This stance was further corroborated by the Leader of the Opposition, Lalantha Pieris, who confirmed that the Kandy Municipal Council has not issued any authorisation for such activities, within the city limits.

The Muslim community, often the subject of these rumours, has also stepped forward to clarify their position. Maulavi Mohamed Aslam, Manager of the Collaboration Centre at the Katukele Jumma Mosque, explicitly stated that the Muslim community respects the decision to ban animal slaughter in Kandy, a World Heritage and sacred city.

“The Muslim community is not opposed to the ban. We respect the religious freedom of our Buddhist brothers and sisters. Even on Poya days, we ensure our activities do not interfere with their observances. If any party is attempting to orchestrate such a situation, we will not support them,” he asserted.

Maulavi Aslam emphasised the community’s commitment to social harmony, noting that they have no intention of creating unnecessary friction. “Kandy is a sacred, world-heritage city, and we recognise this status. We continue to respect the decision made years ago, following requests from the Maha Sangha, to keep this city free from animal slaughter. We will not support any act that infringes upon the religious freedom of the Buddhists,” he concluded.

By S.K. Samaranayake

The Constitutional Council of Sri Lanka has approved the appointment of Yasantha Kodagoda as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), filling the vacancy created by the retirement of former Supreme Court Justice S. Thurairaja.

Official sources said Justice Kodagoda would assume duties on the Commission following the completion of the constitutional approval process.

The Judicial Service Commission plays a critical role in Sri Lanka’s judicial administration, particularly in matters relating to the appointment, transfer, disciplinary control and dismissal of judicial officers in the subordinate courts.

Justice Kodagoda, a senior member of the Supreme Court bench, is widely regarded for his extensive experience in criminal law, constitutional matters and judicial administration.

Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as the Attorney General of Sri Lanka and held several senior positions within the Attorney General’s Department over a distinguished legal career spanning decades.

Legal observers noted that the appointment comes at a significant time for Sri Lanka’s judiciary amid increasing public focus on judicial independence, institutional accountability and reforms within the legal sector.

The Constitutional Council’s approval is in keeping with the constitutional framework governing appointments to key independent commissions and institutions.

By Ifham Nizam

The iconic Kandy Railway Station, which once bustled with thousands of commuters daily, now stands in eerie silence, having remained deserted for the past six months. This desolation follows the catastrophic destruction of the railway line caused by the ‘Ditwah’ cyclone in November 2025, which triggered unprecedented flooding and landslides across the Central Highlands.

The most critical damage occurred when the Mahaweli River breached its banks, severely compromising the structural integrity of the historic iron bridge on the Peradeniya-Kandy railway line. Consequently, all train operations on the route were brought to an immediate and complete standstill.

Compounding the grim scene at the station are five passenger trains that have been left stranded on the platforms for the past half-year. Railway officials have stated that until the aging iron bridge over the Mahaweli River is fully restored and certified for safety, it will be impossible to resume train services from Kandy to the Upcountry or Colombo regions.

Joint Trade Unions of the Railway Department confirmed that all daily train services originating from Kandy to other provinces remain suspended due to this disaster. The ongoing disruption has severely impacted thousands of commuters, including government employees, schoolchildren, university students, and the business community, who now face immense hardships daily travel.

By S.K. Samaranayake