Will allow no shortcomings at Poson festival – PM

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated in the Parliament today (23) that there will be no shortcomings financially or in any other way for the state poson festival which will be held at the sacred grounds of Mihintale.

The Premier, who was responding to Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa in Parliament, stated that the President had directed that full state backing should be given to the festival.

At a recent press conference, Chief Prelate of the Mihintale Temple – Ven. Valawahangunuwewe Dhammarathana Thero had said that the government has not provided sufficient funds for the traditional Mihintale Poson Aloka Pooja this year or to provide necessary facilities to the devotees visiting the festival.

The Thero had mentioned that no organization has volunteered to sponsor the Aloka pooja this year, which costs around Rs. 06 million and that they would go on a ‘Pindapaatha’ to collect the necessary funds.

The matter was also taken up during the Cabinet briefing held today morning.

Responding to journalists, Cabinet Spokesman minister Bandula Gunawardena said that he had inquired from the Buddhasasana ministry secretary, who had informed him that the ministry had sent Rs. 3.1 million to the District Secretary for the Poson activities of the Mihintale Temple alone.

The minister said that the Buddhasasana ministry would soon make a detailed clarification in this regard.