Chief Incumbent of Mihintale threatens to go to people to fund national Poson festival

Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Walahahengunawewe Dhammaratana Thera, on Tuesday (02), told government officials that his temple did not need state funds for the 2024 National Poson Festival.

The committee entrusted with the 2024 National Poson Festival met at the temple yesterday.

The Thera said the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs had phoned him on Monday (01) and offered five million rupees for the 2024 National Poson Festival.

“The expenses will exceed five million. There is a lot to be done here. I don’t need five million. I will ask people for money,” he said.

The Ranil Wickremesinghe government has done away with many facilities previously afforded to Mihintale, the Thera said. However, he can’t take away the significance of Mihintale for Buddhists, he added. (RK)