May 03, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government's ban on slaughtering animals and selling or serving meat ended yesterday. Meat shops islandwide were seen open and crowded today, some short on supplies.

The Sri Lankan government banned the sale of meat on 30 April due to the Vesak holiday, in which Buddhists commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Lord Buddha.

Serving of meat was banned in tourist hotels as well during the Vesak days. The first ever circular banning the serving of meat in hotels created some controversy.

Serving liquor on full moon days is already banned in Sri Lanka.