Namal's followers, who were preparing for a Bodhi Pooja, were sidelined in Matara.

The Matara Bodhi Protection Council informed that the premises could not be provided for the Bodhi Pooja ceremony organized near the historic Bodhi tree in Matara to bless Mr. Namal Rajapaksa, the National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, who is currently remanded in prison. As a result, the organizers have had to hold the ceremony at another location.

Mr. Keerthi Wijayawansha, the Kamburupitiya Electorate Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, had previously reserved the time by paying a contribution of Rs. 300 to hold this ceremony yesterday (21) at 4:00 PM at the Matara Bodhi premises. However, following the promotion of this Bodhi Pooja to bless Mr. Namal Rajapaksa through social media, a representative of the Matara Bodhi informed Mr. Keerthi Wijayawansha that the requested location could not be provided.

Subsequently, it was decided to hold the ceremony at the Hittetiya Raja Maha Viharaya, and a special meeting was held at the party office in Matara on the night of the day before yesterday (20) to discuss this sudden situation.

The discussion, chaired by Ven. Ittakande Saddhatissa Thero, was attended by Mr. Milinda Rajapaksa, the Kotte Electorate Organizer, along with many other electorate organizers and activists from the Matara District. During the meeting, it was unanimously decided to hold this Bodhi Pooja ceremony at the Devinuwara sacred site on the upcoming 24th at 4:00 PM.

The organizers have strongly criticized the Matara Bodhi Protection Council for not providing the Matara Bodhi premises despite the time being reserved in advance. Although attempts were made to inquire about this incident from the Matara Bodhi Protection Council, they were unsuccessful, and it is reported that this decision was not made with the consent of the majority but was a decision by a few individuals.