The Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, handed over the scroll informing of the successful completion of the  Esala Perahera to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (20) at the President’s House in Kandy.

Accompanied by the Nilames of  the Sathara Maha Dawala and the Pitisara Dewala, the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, arrived at the President’s House in a ceremonial procession. The Diyawadana Nilame was formally received and warmly welcomed by President Wickremesinghe at the main gate of the premises.

In accordance with custom, the Diyawadana Nilame formally presented the Scroll informing of the successful completion of the annual Esala Perahera of the Sri Dalanda Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the Satara Maha Devalayas,to the President.

In keeping with longstanding customs, the President and the Nilames gathered for a group photograph.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe honoured the artists who participated in the Perahera by presenting them with  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.

Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha K. Ranasinghe issued a commemorative stamp, symbolizing the historic Sri Dalada Perahera in Kandy, which at 205 mm is the longest stamp in the world. Mr. Ranasinghe presented the stamp to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Additionally, a collection of stamps, souvenirs, and first day covers related to the Sri Dalada Maligawa and Buddhist culture was presented to the Diyawadana Nilame for display in the Sri Dalada Maligawa museum.

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.