ASGIRIYA PRELATE CONDEMNS OFFERING OF INFERIOR ATAPIRIKARA

Taking a swipe at those who produce low-quality Atapirikara for offering at the Dalada Maligawa, the Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakhitha the chief prelate of the Asgiriya chapter condemned vehemently the business set-up by crafty traders in selling low-quality and fake Atapirikara, which the gullible devotees purchase and offer to the deities and the Maha Sangha.

The venerable monk made these revelations at a media briefing he held at his official abode in Kandy. Showing an inferior quality Atapirikara, the Thera said

The venerable monk made these revelations at a media briefing he held at his official abode in Kandy The most cherished offering the Buddhists make had been used in this manner by unscrupulous traders to make a fast buck and the fine of Rs 1000 imposed is not adequate to deter them from this malpractice

that in his temple lie several gunny bags full of Atapirikara which are not made with genuine articles, and most of the robes that are packed inside appeared to have been eaten by rats, and pieces of cardboard had been stuffed inside them to make them appear stuffy. The razor, another item that has been replaced with few pieces of blade and the waist band used to wrap around the Andana Kadaya had been substituted with pieces of cloth. The media personnel were shocked with the display shown to them by the prelate.

The most cherished offering the Buddhists make had been used in this manner by unscrupulous traders to make a fast buck and the fine of Rs 1000 imposed is not adequate to deter them from this malpractice. The Thera urged that heavy fines should be imposed on these traders and action also should be taken to suspend their trade licences.