The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Thilina Madushanka, has clarified his decision to sell part of the temple’s gold reserves, stating it was taken to safeguard the assets after recent floods and to support national projects.
Speaking to the media, while participating in an inspection tour of the Monaragala District General Hospital yesterday (Jan 05), he assured the public that any sale would be conducted transparently and at fair value with official approval.
“Some of the gold reserves at the Kataragama Devalaya were affected by the recent floods. If, for some reason, part of that gold was carried away by the floodwaters, who would be held responsible? That is why I made this decision. At this time, even the government is facing major difficulties. We expected to help the government with its other projects. This is not a deal with the government or with the President. There is no such thing. The President has not made any request of me, even in the slightest. This is simply to assist,” he said.
Thilina Madushanka further assured that the gold would be sold properly and that it would be carried out with complete transparency.
“I will take full responsibility for it. None of it will be sold at a low price. It will be sold at the correct market value. I will make announcements through social media. If it is sold, it will be done with the approval of the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, and it will be carried out with complete transparency. I have no intention whatsoever of committing fraud. If anyone claims that I am trying to take temple property for myself, that is false. For the past four years, I have not taken even the caretaker allowance or any benefit from the Vishnu Devalaya. I do not take anything from the Kataragama Devalaya either,” he added. (Newswire)
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