PMD says Rs 28.8 mn allocated for Mihintale Poson festival

The President’s Media Division (PMD) while refuting continuing accusations that the Mihintale State Poson festival had been denied required funds, yesterday (31) declared that public funds amounting to Rs. 28.8 mn were allocated.

The PMD said that the government allocated funds to the tune of Rs 28.8 mn as Lake House was not in a position to sponsor the festival as did since 1963. The PMD attributed the failure on the part of Lake House to provide funds due to continuous financial losses suffered since 2018. According to the PMD, Lake House suffered Rs 192 mn loss last year.

The PMD said that Venerable Valahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, the chief incumbent monk of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya requested for Rs 17 mn for the conducting of the Mihintale Poson perahera. Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Widanapathirana has explained to the monk that due to financial constrains, imposed by Parliament, the requested amount couldn’t be released. However, a sum of Rs 3.1 mn could be allocated in line with the Ministry budgetary allocation.

In spite that altogether Rs 28.8 mn has been allocated, the PMD said.