Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition, criticised the government on Sunday (July 16) for the hefty electricity bill it sent to Sri Dalada Maligawa, calling the action “unprincipled” and “rude.”
This unprecedented act is “atrocious” and a shame to Buddhism and the entire Buddhist community, according to a media release from the leader of the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party.
Sending such a large charge to Sri Dalada Maligawa, which is regarded as the epitome of Buddhist devotion with the yearly Esala Perahera just around the corner, according to Premadasa, is wholly wrong.
However, when asked about it by Ada Derana, Diyawadana Nilame (chief custodian) of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela mentioned that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) sends an estimated bill each year just before the Esala Perahera, noting that this is customary practise.
He clarified that the projected bill given by the CEB is typically discussed with the Four Dewala and the Kandy Municipal Council before the payment is made before the start of the annual Esala Perahera.
The necessary payments were often done after Esala Perahera, however this year the CEB has asked Sri Dalada Maligawa to make the payment prior to the start of the procession.
