Ashen, who went to Sri Pada unauthorized during the off-season and made criticisms, was scolded by the chief incumbent of Sri Pada.

Before the upcoming Sri Pada pilgrimage season, scheduled to begin in December, there has been intense discussion on social media regarding its repair work. This follows a video released by YouTuber Ashen Senarathna criticizing the maintenance and security of Sri Pada, and a strong statement made in response by the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Venerable Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Nayaka Thero.

The Nayaka Thero accuses that this video was filmed by illegally entering Sri Pada during the off-season when entry is prohibited, by jumping over a closed gate. According to him, the individual also verbally abused the security officer who properly performed his duty by preventing his entry. The Thero further stated that the individual behaved very inappropriately within Sri Pada, making false accusations against the government and security forces for his personal motives and publicity.

However, Ashen Senarathna pointed out in his video that there is severe damage to some safety fences and parts related to electric lights at Sri Pada. He stated that he received an electric shock when touching a safety fence at one location, and warned that if a foreign tourist visiting Sri Pada were to be harmed in such a situation, where an electrical leak could be suspected, it would bring disrepute to the entire country. Additionally, he accused that debris and waste from landslides after Cyclone 'Ditwa' have not yet been properly removed.

Emphasizing that authorities, including the President, Prime Minister, ministers, and Members of Parliament, must immediately intervene to swiftly repair this situation before the upcoming pilgrimage season, he stated, "This project needs to start now if it's to be finished by December. Quickly repair these things and work to protect Sri Pada. That's our duty, and it's your duty too. It's the people's duty. And Mr. President, it's your duty too." He also urged that if the authorities cannot do this, they should hand over the work to him, saying, "If you can't, give it to me, I'll do it. It only takes me a day to fix this. If you can't, give it to me, I'll take care of it. I'll run this country. If you can't, tell me, I'll take care of it."

Responding to these accusations, Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Nayaka Thero pointed out that the damage caused to the Hatton road by Cyclone Ditwa has already been restored. He confirmed that the work was carried out jointly by the District Secretaries of Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, and other security forces, under the instructions of the President. He also recalled that an extremely difficult operation, lasting nearly a month, was conducted involving over 150 individuals, including security forces, to remove a large pile of garbage and debris, which was not ordinary soil, accumulated at one location on the road.

The Nayaka Thero also drew the attention of the authorities to unauthorized entries and acts of vandalism occurring during the off-season. He pointed out that although the four 'ambalama' (resting places) and toilet systems along the Palabaddala road up to Indikatupana, which had been without maintenance for over 60 years, were renovated through his intervention during the time of former District Secretary Mr. Sunil Kannangara, these properties, including doors and windows, are constantly being destroyed due to the uncivilized activities of some groups who visit during the off-season. He further mentioned that a system was previously proposed to control off-season travel by issuing tickets for Rs. 6000-7000 from the Nallathanniya side through wildlife officers and collecting money, but this was also halted due to various pressures, even involving the officers themselves.

Ensuring the security, cleanliness, and safety of pilgrims at Sri Pada, a national treasure of high value both religiously and for the tourism industry in this country, remains a collective responsibility of all parties that no one can overlook.