Receiving an estimated electricity bill for the annual Esala Pageant is a normal procedure, said Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara.
Previously, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) settled the bill, but Maligawa has been asked to bear part of the cost this time in view of the CEB’s restructuring process, he said.
The matter would be settled through discussions, he said, disapproving attempts by some to make an issue of this.
The Maligawa has been asked by the CEB in writing to deposit more than Rs. 13.2 million for it to provide an uninterrupted power supply for the pageant.
Earlier, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa denounced the government for having sent an electricity bill to the Maligawa, deploring the move as ‘unprincipled’ and ‘rude’.
He said in a statement this unprecedented act is ‘atrocious’ and a disgrace to Buddhism and the entire Buddhist community.
Sending such a hefty bill to Sri Dalada Maligawa, which is deemed the pinnacle of Buddhist reverence with the annual Esala Perahera close at hand, is totally unacceptable, he said.
Related News:
Sajith denounces govt. over electricity bill sent to Dalada Maligawa
