Kandy Perahera reports success to Head of State
[August 2, 2004 - 10.55 GMT]

Kandy Perahara, the most colourful pageant of Sri Lanka, reported its successful completion to the Head of State President Chandrika Kumaratunga at the President’s House, Kandy on Sunday.

The annual procession of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth) and the Four Devales commenced its festivities on July 22.The most colourful segment of the Perahera; the Randoli, vended its way through the streets of Kandy in an endless torchlight parade made of hundreds of, dancers, drummers, Chieftains and caparisoned elephants following a magnificent tusker carrying sacred relics in a golden casket on Saturday.

In keeping with ancient tradition, the Nilames (custodians) of the temple called on the President to report that the rites of the Esala festival had been enacted and completed. The customary Perahera Sandesaya or the report on the Kandy pageant was ceremonially handed to the President.

President Kumaratuntga at the ceremony said that the Kandy perahara is an event where all people congregate without any difference of cast, creed or religion.

She thanked the Diyawadana Nilame, Basnayake Nilame's, the Maha Sangha and all those who contributed to make the Esala perahera a success according to traditions and gave presentations to the artistes who took part in the Perahera.

The President further made a Presidential Land Grant to the Sri Dalada Maligawa for the Buddhist Cultural Centre and Bhikku Centre for Research at Pallekelle, which is now under construction.

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Last Updated Date: August 2, 2004  - 10.55 GMT.