The media unit of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) has stated that there is no truth in the rumor that the staff of the Temple has been infected with COVID-19.
A media release issued by the Dalada Maligawa Media and Special Projects Bureau said that the testing conducted on the staff has confirmed that the monks in charge of the service at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and the civilian staff members were not infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus.
This was confirmed after five monks in charge of the service and 115 members of the civilian staff were subjected to rapid antigen testing yesterday.
No one has been infected with COVID-19 during yesterday’s testing, said SSP Sudath Masinghe in charge of the Kandy Division. Accordingly, the security of the Dalada Maligawa premises has been ensured.
The Temple stated 231 police officers working at the Dalada Maligawa have been quarantined due to the coronavirus. Instead, 189 officers from other locations were deployed.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa has provided all the facilities required for the pilgrims to pay homage to the Temple of the Tooth by duly implementing the health care instructions given by the Government Health Department and there is no impediment to the arrival of devotees.
It was further informed that all the rituals and ceremonies of the Temple of the Tooth, including the daily rituals, will continue to be performed under the full supervision of the Diyawadana Nilame (Custodian) on the instructions of the Chief Prelates of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters.
