The cattle had been transported fraudulently using a certificate issued by the Sri Lanka Avihinsawadi Maha Sangamaya - Association for Non Violence in Sri Lanka to release to the public the animals condemned to death.

The main suspect who was arrested has stated that on June 10, 2020, the Sri Lanka Avihinsawadi Maha Sangamaya  had issued a certificate to the main suspect, a resident of Dickwella, and he had been transporting cattle without legal permission showing the certificate to the police.

The suspects had tried to flee by showing a letter of appreciation given by a minister thanking them for the noble deed of releasing cattle meant for slaughter.

The two lorries and the four suspects and the cattle were produced before the Tissamaharama Court and the court ordered the police to return the cattle to their owners.