The annual Esala Perahera which is held in veneration of the sacred tooth relic; considered as the sacred pinnacle of the state was concluded successfully yesterday (Aug. 08).Accordingly, the Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela handed over the Perahera Sandeshaya (Sannasa) to President Maithripala Sirisena to inform the successful completion of the Kandy Esala Perahera at the President’s House in Kandy.
The Diyawadana Nilame and the Nilames of Sathara Maha Devalas and the Nilames of rural devalas who came with a procession were welcomed by the President at the main entrance of the President’s House.
Then the Diyawadana Nilame, keeping with the traditions, handed over the sandeshaya to the President.
The President presented the gifts to the artists who contributed to the perahera on this occasion.
He also offered fruits to the baby elephant ‘Sindu’ of the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic.
After that the President and the Nilames posed for a photograph, in keeping with the traditions.
Governor of the Central Province Niluka Ekanayake, Ministers Lakshman Kiriella, S. B. Dissanayake, Deputy Minister Anuradha Jayarathne, Provincial Ministers Thilina Bandara Thennakoon, Bandula Yalegama, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando and the Government Agent of Kandy H. M. Hitisekara were among those participated in this occasion.
