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Esala perahera: People complain they are being de-seated from the pavement
View(s):The streets of Kandy are resounding with the sounds of the annual Esala Perahera with the Kumbal Perahera starting on August 1.
The Kumbal Perahera in progress. Pix by L.B. Senaratne
With an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people, both local and foreign, arriving daily at the hill capital to watch one of the most venerated and culturally significant events in Sri Lanka, Dalada Maligawa officials say steps have been taken to ensure that standards are maintained.
Maligawa chief secretary C. W. Karunarathne said the cost of the preparatory work for the perahera was nearly Rs. 50 million. A number of dansalas have been organised around the Dalada Maligawa with drinking water and sanitary facilities also being provided.
Mr. Karunarathne said this year’s event was special as it marked the tenth perahera that Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela was participating in.
Meanwhle Sri Lanka Transport Board Vice Chiarman L. A. Wimalaratne said extra buses have been arranged to facilitate travel to and from Kandy.
Constructions coming up on the pavements. Pix by Shane Seneviratne
Security too has been beefed up with 2600 police officers in uniform and in civvies being deployed in and around the Maligawa and other public places such as the main bus stand.
However people in the area have been unhappy over moves by the Kandy Municipal Council to set up special seating arrangements for employees of the council, dignitaries and invitees of the Diyawadana Nilame on the pavement areas around the Maligawa. This is usually the favourite place of the people who come early to book their places sitting on cardboard and polythene sheets amidst crow droppings
The Diyawadana Nilame placing the casket on the tusker
awaiting the start of the perahera.
“A complaint was lodged with the police against the Diyawadana Nilame, the Kandy Mayor and others. By using the pavements this way they are violating the rights of the public,” former Provincial Council Member Raja Uswetakeiyawa said.
The highlight of the pageant the Randoli Perahera will parade the streets from August 6 to 10. The pageant concludes with the day perahera and the Water Cutting Ceremony (Diya Kepeema) on August 11.
(Please see Plus Page 3 for more on the Esala Perahera)