The Sri Lanka Electricity Board has sent a written request to the Dalada Maliga and Satara Maha Devala, asking for payment of Rupees One Crore Thirty Two Hundred Ninety Nine Thousand Ten (13299010) for the estimated cost of electricity required for the upcoming Kandy Esala Perahara, marking the first time such a request has been made in the festival’s history.
According to the estimate prepared by the Electricity Board, the amount to be paid by Sri Dalada Maligava is Rs.34,12,479. Additionally, the Natha Temple has been asked to pay Rs.11,22,145, the Vishnu Temple Rs.13,68,385, the Kataragama Temple Rs.11,02,705, and the Pattini Temple Rs.11,02,705 for their respective lighting expenses during the festival.
The estimate includes costs for additional lighting works and other electrical infrastructure needed at various locations, including the Sri Dalada Palace premises, Satara Devala, Perehara Veedi visiting areas, and popular public spaces from August 21st to 31st.
The breakdown of the estimate reveals that the Electricity Board plans to spend approximately Rs.44,41,273 for street lighting in the city of Kandy, while an additional amount of Rs.7,49,215 will be allocated for generators.
To facilitate the payment process, the Electricity Board has specifically requested that the Basnayake Nilames make payments through written cheques issued in the name of the General Manager of the Electricity Board.
The Basnayake Nilames have expressed that this is the first time such a payment request has been made to the four major temples involved in the Kandy Esala Perahara Festival for lighting expenses. This development represents a novel approach in covering the festival’s lighting costs, given its official recognition as a state festival.
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