A heated debate has emerged on social media regarding renovation work at Sri Pada ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season scheduled to begin in December. This follows the release of a video by YouTuber Ashen Senarathna criticising the maintenance and safety of the sacred premises, which drew a sharp response from the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Ven. Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Thero.

The Chief Prelate stated that this video was filmed after trespassing through a closed gate during the off-season, a period when entry to Sri Pada is strictly prohibited. The Thero noted that Senarathna had verbally abused the security officer who tried to prevent him from entering, and behaved inappropriately while levelling false accusations against the government and security forces for personal publicity.

Key points

  • Ashen accused of trespassing by jumping over a closed gate during the off-season to film a video
  • Ashen claims safety railings are broken and says he suffered an electric shock
  • Chief Prelate criticises Ashen's conduct, states cyclone damage has already been repaired

Ashen's claims

In his video, Ashen Senarathna pointed out that certain safety railings and electric lights were severely damaged. He claimed he received an electric shock when touching a safety railing and warned that such an incident happening to a foreign tourist would bring disrepute to the entire country.

Furthermore, alleging that debris from landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah had not yet been cleared, he called on the authorities, including the President, to repair them before December. He also stated that if they were unable to do so, the task should be handed over to him.

"This project needs to start right now if it is to be completed by December. Work immediately to repair these things and protect Sri Pada. That is our duty, and it is your duty too. It is the duty of the people. And Mr. President, it is your duty as well." - Ashen Senarathna

Chief Prelate's clarification

Responding to these allegations, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thero stated that the damages caused to the Hatton route by Cyclone Ditwah have already been restored. The Thero said that this work was carried out on the instructions of the President, with the coordinated efforts of the District Secretaries of Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, and the security forces.

The Thero also said that over 150 personnel had laboured for nearly a month to clear a mound of garbage and debris located at one spot along the path. The Chief Prelate further pointed out that the four resting halls (ambalam) and toilet systems up to Indikatupana along the Palabaddala route suffer frequent damage due to the indecent conduct of people visiting during the off-season.

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