The Scroll of Memorandum detailing the successful conclusion of the Esala Perahera hands over to the President

The Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, handed over the Esala Perahera Scroll to President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday at the President’s House in Kandy. The Scroll highlights successful completion of the annual Esala Perahera at Kandy’s Sri Dalanda Maligawa and the Satara Maha Devalayas, a magnificent cultural festival celebrated with great reverence for ancient traditions. The Diyawadana Nilame was formally received and warmly welcomed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe them at the main gate of the premises. In accordance with custom, the Diyawadana Nilame formally presented the Scroll of Memorandum to the President. President Ranil Wickremesinghe honoured the artists who participated in the Perahera by presenting them with traditional gifts and awards. The President also provided financial support to the ‘Pitisara Devala’ through the “Esala Perahera Trust” marking a historic contribution of LKR 10.5 million, the highest amount ever given. Additionally, the President received a copy of the book ‘Sacred Dalada Culture’, compiled by the Central Provincial Ministry of Culture. At the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the special exemption form for the transfer of the ‘Ehelepola Walawwa’ to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to the Diyawadana Nilame.  President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his gratitude to everyone who supported the Sri Dalada Perahera, particularly the Diyawadana Nilame who was instrumental in organizing the Perahara. He commended all Nilames of Sathara Maha Dewala for their dedication in preserving the historic Kandy Esala Perahara, a festival that is both a religious and national event, and a remarkable cultural celebration that showcases Sri Lankan heritage to the world. He emphasized that it is a collective responsibility to uphold this tradition. The President also outlined the government’s plans to transform Kandy into a prominent cultural and art hub, focusing on its extensive development.