Mihintale Poson Festival organizers say state support is lacking as the Chief Thero appeals to devotees for help.
Mihintale Poson Festival preparations have been hit by a serious dispute after Ven. Walawahunguna Wewe Dhammaratana Thero alleged that proper state patronage and official intervention have not been provided for this year’s celebrations.
The Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya made the allegation while addressing a media briefing held at the Mihintale temple premises.
The Thero said two meetings had been held under the chairmanship of the Anuradhapura District Secretary to discuss the Poson festival.
However, he claimed that no officials from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, or the Ministry of Public Administration had attended those discussions.
He said the public should closely observe the government’s conduct towards the Poson festival, which he described as one of the country’s three main national festivals.
The Chief Thero also said the Rs. 500,000 allocated annually by the government is completely inadequate to conduct this year’s festival.
He explained that Rs. 450,000 alone is required for the performers of the Mihindu Maha Perahera, while further major expenses are needed for elephants, costumes, copra, and other arrangements.
According to him, at least around Rs. 10 million is required to conduct the Perahera properly.
Due to the lack of official notification or government support so far, the Thero appealed to local and foreign devotees to help organize the Sath Piritha, the lighting offering, and the Mihindu Maha Perahera.
“As a monk who owes no debt to the country, the nation, or the religion, we will conduct the Mihindu festival even by sacrificing our lives,” he declared.
He also invited Rajarata University students and local youth to come to the Mihintale courtyard and assist with decorations, including the lighting offering.
The Thero said that although the festival has been abandoned by the government, this year’s Poson celebrations will still be conducted magnificently with public support.
