Chief Incumbent of the ancient Mihintale Temple, Venerable Walawahengunaweve Dhammarathana Thera has slammed the government for failing to offer support for the annual Mihintale Poson festival.
Following the official launch of the Poson activities at the Mihintale Temple in Anuradhapura over the weekend, in an emotional speech, Ven. Dhammarathana Thera stated that the government had not extended its support due to a personal issue.
“The government limited our power supply for the festival. They gave us Rs. 3 million, but I returned it and was able to collect Rs. 10 million with the support of the public which was utilised to hold the Mihintale Posson festival,” he stated.
Alleging that the government had failed to support the Poson festival due to a personal dispute, Ven. Dhammarathana Thera called on the public to be aware that the authorities will only assist activities and persons related to religious affairs to cement and hold on to power.
Ven. Dhammarathana Thera added that the actions of the government were not only an act of vengeance against the Mihintale Temple authorities but the general public as well. (NewsWire)