The government has not yet provided any official communication regarding the organization of this year’s State Poson Festival, the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Walawahangunawawe Dhammarathana Thero, stated.

Speaking at a press briefing held today, Dhammarathana Thero said that no officials from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, or the Ministry of Public Administration had visited the temple to discuss arrangements related to the festival.

The Thero also noted that no written notice had been received from the District Secretariat regarding the conduct of the celebrations.

“I do not know whether the President is aware of this. No officials have come to discuss the organization of the festival,” Dhammarathana Thero.

Ven. Dhammarathana Thero further stated that Poson and Vesak, along with the Independence Day celebrations, are among the country’s main state events, adding that the public would be aware of how such national festivals are typically organized.

The Thero emphasized that, despite the lack of state coordination, arrangements for the Mihindu Perahera and Poson celebrations would proceed as planned without interruption.

Ven. Dhammarathana Thero also referred to reports that the government would provide Rs. 5 million for the event, describing it as a routine allocation that is typically channelled through the Divisional Secretariat.

The Thero noted that the allocated funds alone would not be sufficient to conduct the Mihindu Perahera and said additional financial support would be required.

Ven. Dhammarathana Thero added that efforts would be made to secure necessary funding through alternative means and called on the public for support to ensure the successful conduct of the religious festival.