Public Health Inspectors in Pallama have uncovered a racket selling chicken meat from birds that had died of various causes. Two suspects were arrested, and a large stock of meat intended for distribution to multiple areas was seized.
Investigations revealed that the suspects collected dead chickens from farms under the pretext of transporting them for animal feed. The meat was then processed, packed in polythene bags to avoid detection, and sold at low prices to hotels, charitable institutions, and wedding organizers in areas including Anamaduwa, Nawagaththegama, Saliyawewa, Paliyagama, Bingiriya, Weerapokunu, Madurankuliya, and Arachchikattuwa.
The suspects were apprehended near the Serukelle Veterinary Office while transporting about 120 kilograms of meat in a three-wheeler. They have been identified as Geekiyanage Janaka Geeth Kumar Perera from Dudugama, Ja-Ela, who collected and transported the chickens, and Yakdehige Jagath Indika Niroshan from Serukelle, who processed the meat. The meat was sold at around Rs. 800 per kilogram, mainly to hotels preparing kottu and rice dishes.
Authorities noted that the racket had been operating for a considerable period, deceiving buyers through deceptive methods. The suspects were produced before the Anamaduwa Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate R.N.K. Chandrawansa fined them Rs. 76,000 and ordered the destruction of the seized meat.
The raid was conducted by Pallama Administrative Public Health Inspector P.T.A.R. Fernando, Aandigama Public Health Inspector A.M.D.C. Adhikari, and Pallama Public Health Inspector R.A.D.P. Ranasinghe following a tip-off and a lengthy investigation.
