The media division of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has taken issue with People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), an election watchdog, for charging the Premier with breaking election laws by holding a religious gathering on July 30.
“The PM’s media division denies the false PAFFREL allegation.”
According to the PM’s Media Division (PMD), PAFFREL wrote to the Election Commission, requesting that it intervene against the directive to call District and Divisional Secretaries to a ceremony at the Kataragama Kiri Vehera in order to invoke blessings on the Prime Minister, as it was illegal and unethical.
According to the PMMD, the complaint is without merit.
“To invoke blessings on the country and the people, the 30th annual Maha Satyayakriya and Adhisthana Pooja was held at the Kataragama Kirivehera this year,” the statement reads. This is the time of year when it is always performed.
The esteemed Maha Sangha, national organisations, scholars, national movements, and religious organisations have all participated in this event over the past thirty years, either by invitation or without one. It is open to the general public.”Many people participate in this Adhisthana Pooja and Satyakriya voluntarily, and it was not and will not be used for any specific purpose.”
