A heated controversy has erupted in Mihintale just days before the State Poson Festival, as Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Mahinthala Thero, strongly objected to a proposal made by the newly appointed Chairman of the Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha, representing the National People’s Power (NPP), to impose parking fees during the sacred Poson festivities.
The plan to charge pilgrims for parking sparked immediate backlash from religious leaders, devotees, and members of the State Poson Committee, with many accusing the local administration of attempting to commercialize a deeply spiritual and historic Buddhist celebration.
Ven. Mahinthala Thero, speaking to the media, was visibly angered by the move and slammed the NPP-backed chairman, asserting that no previous government or local authority had dared to charge parking fees during Poson. “This is a sacred pilgrimage, not a marketplace. Devotees come here seeking spiritual merit, not to be burdened with unfair fees,” the Thero said, demanding that the proposal be immediately withdrawn.
The monk emphasized that free access and hospitality have been long-standing traditions at Mihintale, believed to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where Arahant Mahinda introduced the Dhamma over two millennia ago. “Breaking this tradition for revenue is a disgrace,” he declared.
The newly elected chairman, reportedly a first-time officeholder with no prior political or administrative experience, was caught off guard by the backlash. While defending the proposal as a way to manage traffic and fund local services, he admitted he did not foresee such strong opposition, especially from the religious community.
The issue has now caused a rift within the State Poson Committee itself, with several members aligning with the Thero’s position and urging the NPP leadership to reconsider the appointment and actions of the Mihintale Pradeshiya Sabha chairman.
As tensions simmer, thousands of pilgrims are expected to flock to Mihintale in the coming days for the annual festival. Whether parking fees will be enforced remains unclear—but one thing is certain: the decision has struck a nerve at the heart of Buddhist tradition.
