The minister said he regretted the seeming disinclination by residents in this historic city blessed by the sacred Tooth Relic, to adorn the city with Buddhist flags during the special exposition.

Mr. Silva spoke to devotees standing in the queue and donated cash to three Sil Mathas.

“Colombo would be turned into a sea of Buddhist flags if the exposition is been held there,” the minister said. He said the business community in the Kandy city had failed to create a suitable atmosphere for paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic.