The Mihintale sacred area, including the esteemed Rajamaha Viharaya, experienced a disconnection of its electricity supply yesterday morning due to outstanding arrears amounting to Rs 4.1 million in the electricity bill. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), through its Chief Electrical Engineer for Anuradhapura district, S. Jayawardena, confirmed the disconnection, citing non-payment despite prior notice.
In response to the power disruption, the Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, addressed the media and asserted that he believes he is being targeted by politicians due to his unwavering stance on issues faced by the people. He stated that his temple is currently engaged in a substantial development program at the sacred site, making it financially challenging to settle such a significant electricity bill. In light of this, he appealed to the authorities to consider providing solar panels as a possible alternative.
Moreover, Ven. Dhammarathana Thera emphasized the urgent need for the government’s protection and support for the area, as it hosts numerous sites of immense archaeological value. The preservation of this historically significant location is of paramount importance, and he called for immediate measures to safeguard its rich heritage.
