Aug 30, Chilaw: The annual ritual of sacrificing hundreds of goats and fowls for a Hindu goddess at a Kovil in Northwestern Sri Lanka has been cancelled after a request made by the country's President.

The Chief Priest of the Munneswaram Sri Bhadra Kali Amman Kovil in Chilaw has said that the animal sacrifice will not take place this year following a request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa not to carry out the ritual.

The President yesterday requested to halt the animal sacrifice during the exposition of sacred Buddhist Kapilavastu Relics brought from India.

The exposition of the relics believed to be remains of Buddha will continue until September 12 at various locations in the country.

The annual ritual of animal sacrifice at the feast of the Sri Bhadra Kali Amman Kovil was scheduled for September 01.