Electricity supply to the Mihintale sacred area, including the Rajamaha Viharaya, was disconnected yesterday morning for non-payment of Rs 4.1 million in arrears in the electricity bill. Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chief electrical engineer for Anuradhapura district, S. Jayawardena yesterday confirmed the disconnection due to nonpayment of arrears, adding that it was done after prior notice.
Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera responding to the power disruption, told journalists, he was being targeted by politicians for his forthright views, without fear or favour, on issues faced by the people.
He said the CEB has disconnected the electricity supply at a time when a massive development programme is in progress at the Mihintale sacred area, adding that his temple was unable to pay such a high electricity bill and urged authorities to provide solar panels if possible.
He further said the government should provide immediate protection to the area, as it has many sites of archaeological value.
Sashini Madushani, Anuradhapura