Kirivehera Chief Incumbent requests authorities to pay attention to the sale of fake Atapirikara

• The CAA seized 150 packages and opened them to find pieces of old robes, worn out bowls, and pieces of cardboard

By Deleep Jayasekara and M.K.Nandasena  

Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Rajamaha vihara and Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magampattu Ven. Dr. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera requested authorities to pay particular attention of the on going racket of selling fake Atapirikara ,( the packages of the eightfold requisites of Buddhist Monks) , and other articles used as offerings in religious ceremonies.  

He told the media yesterday at Kirivehera temple that he had received several complaints on the ongoing racket and requests to look into it He said he informed police and the Consumer Affairs Authority.  

“ During investigations one of the racketeers who had been distributing fake packages of Atapirikara was nabbed. The CAA seized 150 packages and opened them to find pieces of old robes, worn out bowls, and pieces of cardboard. None of the articles that should be included in the Atapirikara was found .This racket should not be allowed to go on. The law should be strictly enforced and stern action taken against the racketeers ”  

“ It is imperative that the shops dealing with Atapirikara and other offerings all over the country should be subjcet to constant check ups. I request the Mahasangha to create public awareness in this regard and advice devotees not to fall prey to this racket” Ven. Dhamminda Thera said   

He further said the devotees had a right to open the package of Atapirikara and check it in the presence of the trader before buying it.  

The trader who sold fake packages of Atapirikara, was produced before Tissamaharama Magistrate Tharindu Sameera Silva and released on personal bail in Rs.500,000. The suspect trader Mohamed Riyaz was a resident of Atulugama in Bandaragama.  

 He was produced in court on the charges of selling substandard packages of Atapirikara containing pieces of robes that were not in the required length and width, and without a registered trade mark.   
 The case was postponed for July 05.