Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Sunday (16) hit out at the government for the hefty electricity bill sent to Sri Dalada Maligawa, deploring the move as ‘unprincipled’ and ‘rude’.

In a media release, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s leader said this unprecedented act is ‘atrocious’ and a disgrace to Buddhism and the entire Buddhist community.

Premadasa said 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.

However, when inquired by media about the matter, Diyawadana Nilame (chief custodian) of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela mentioned that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has been sending an estimated bill every year right before the Esala Perahera, adding that it is a usual procedure.

He explained that before the commencement of the annual Esala Perahera, the estimated bill sent by the CEB is usually discussed with the Four Dewala and the Kandy Municipal Council before the payment is made.

In previous years, the relevant payments were made after the conclusion of Esala Perahera, however, this year, the CEB has requested Sri Dalada Maligawa to make the payment before the commencement of the procession.

The Diyawadana Nilame said they have no issue with the CEB making such a request.

According to the letter, Rs. 13,299,010.99 has been estimated as the total cost to provide electricity for the annual Esala Perahera. Rs. 3,412,479.29 is estimated for Sri Dalada Maligawa, Rs. 1,122,145.69 for Sri Natha Dewalaya, Rs.1,368,385,69 for Sri Vishnu Dewalaya, Rs. 1,102,705.69 for Sri Kataragama Dewalaya, Rs. 1,102,705.69 for Sri Paththini Dewalaya, Rs. 4,441,373,85 for Perahera street lights and Rs. 479,215.10 for electricity generators.

The first Kumbal Perahera of the annual Esala Perahera is scheduled to parade the streets on August 21 while the final Randoli Perahera is planned for August 30.