President Maithripala Sirisena said he would request Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake to import beef from foreign countries to reduce "cattle slaughter" in Sri Lanka.

"I don't eat meat. So I can speak about this," the President said, addressing a Thaipongal ceremony in the Kalutara district. 

He said he would not accept torture against animals, be it in Sri Lanka or overseas. 

"If the regulations pertaining to transportation of cattle are not being followed, authorities should take tough action on the matter," the President added. 

However, economic analysts while sharing their views on the matter, importation of beef would be an extra-burden on the country's import bill, which needs to be reduced for the island-nation to achieve economic stability. 

Meanwhile,commenting on the new constitution, he said, the new constitution would be acceptable to members of all races and religions, and will mete out justice to everyone.