In response to what they describe as slander and misinformation, the Chief Prelates (Mahanayake Theros) of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters have filed a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police, urging legal action against individuals and groups spreading falsehoods about the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the revered tooth relic itself.
Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Chapter, emphasized that malicious narratives circulating in public are deeply disrespectful to one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred religious symbols. Additionally, Sastrapathi Narampanawe Ananda Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiri Chapter, warned the public about unauthorized groups falsely claiming to collect donations on behalf of the temple. He clarified that neither the Dalada Maligawa nor the government has sanctioned any such fundraising efforts.
The announcement was made at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information ahead of the upcoming ‘Siri Dalada Pandana’ exhibition, scheduled from April 18 to 27. Depending on public turnout, the Theros noted that the exhibition could be extended further. During this 10-day period, free dinner will be served daily to approximately 35,000 devotees between 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious Affairs, and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, also addressed the media, expressing the government’s commitment to support the event and urging the public to participate with discipline and devotion.
Other officials present at the briefing included W.P. Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry, Lalith Atampawala, Additional District Secretary of Kandy, Indika Kumari Abeysinghe, Municipal Commissioner of the Kandy Municipal Council, and Harsha Bandara, Director General of Government Information.
