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Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera dazzles crowds with tradition and splendour

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The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya lit up the streets once again, concluding on Saturday night after three days of colourful pageantry.

First held in 1927 thanks to the vision of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte, the Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most elaborate and grand low-country Buddhist pageants.

The Perahera commemorates the sacred visit of the Buddha to Kelaniya, the most revered temple in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. Celebrated annually during Duruthu Poya in January, the event showcases a fusion of historic, cultural, and religious traditions.

This year, under the guidance of Chief incumbent Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera and Dayaka Sabha President Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, the festivities began with the ceremonial handover of the Sacred Relic Casket by Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Agra Maha Panditha Ven. Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera, to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle.

The sacred relic procession was followed by three Devale Peraheras dedicated to God Vibishana, God Kataragama, and God Vishnu, captivating devotees and tourists alike with traditional drumming, vibrant costumes, and ceremonial elephants.

The Perahera festivities also featured Pahalamaluwe Perahera on 8th January, Sacred City Perahera on 9th January, and the Grand Duruthu Maha Perahera on 10th January, with all events commencing at 8:00 pm. Special enclosures were arranged to accommodate foreign tourists, providing an immersive view of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

As lanterns faded into the night sky and devotees paid homage, the Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera once again reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious calendar.



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Members of the National Student Parliament meet PM

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Members of the National Student Parliament met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Monday [02nd of February] at Temple Trees.

The representatives of the National Student Parliament, representing schools from across the island, visited the Temple Trees following their visit to the Presidential Secretariat and the Parliament.

Expressing her views on the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

“The new education reforms were recently initiated starting from Grade One. Discussions are currently underway to include students entering Grade Six this year into the new education reform process in the future. The education reforms will not be halted, and the government is committed to implementing them in a systematic manner without shortcomings”.

She further noted that the reforms are being carried out under five main pillars, with the government’s key objective being to reduce disparities and provide children with quality education, while also nurturing a socially responsible community enriched with human values such as compassion, love for the environment, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Director of Education Kasun Gunarathne, along with officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives of the National Student Parliament.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Mrs. I.J. Aberathne appointed Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to appoint Mrs. I.J. Aberathne to the post of Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy with immediate effect.

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Cabinet gives green light to provide equipment for the promotion of Aesthetic Education in schools

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Although the teaching of art subjects such as music, dance, art, and drama under aesthetic education continues in the Sri Lankan school system, it has been observed that there is a severe shortage of equipment required for this purpose in many schools. Furthermore, a situation concerning the lack of modern equipment suitable for the needs of the children has also arisen, and it has been reported that most equipment available at present is outdated and dilapidated. It has been observed that this condition has an adverse effect on the quality of the aesthetic education and overall personality development of the children.

Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to implement a project for supplying aesthetic equipment for the promotion of aesthetic education in schools under an estimated cost of Rs. 1,215 million during the period of 2026 to 2028.

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