Annual Kelani Duruthu Perahera today

The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held today (16).

A press release issued by the Kelani Rajamaha Viharastha Sanwardhana Sabha said that the historic Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in the year 1927, due largely to the efforts of that great Philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helana Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte.

The release signed by Chief Basnayake Nilame of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya said: “This Religious Cultural pageant has evolved over the years to become the country’s most elaborate and grandest low country pageant in its category. Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya is the most sacred temple in the Western Province of Sri Lanka since the Buddha’s sojourn here during his third historic visit to Sri Lanka. It celebrates this event annually in the ‘Duruthu Poya’ during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the ‘Kelani Perahera’. Whilst the Kelani Perahera commemorates the religious significance of the Buddha’s visit.

“Due to the prevailing Covid Pandemic situation this years Perahera is restricted to Udamaluwa of the Kelaniya Temple.

“The Perahera is organized under the guidance of Chief Priest of Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thero and President of Dayaka Sabha Dr Saman Weerasinghe.

“The Perahera will commence with Chancellor of Kelaniya University Agra Maha Panditha Ven Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thero handing over the Sacred Relic Casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle.

“The Perahera will commence at 7.00 pm.”