News
Kandy sees huge crowds for final night perahera
An unprecedented large crowd turned up to watch the final Randoli Perahera in Kandy last night, forcing the Police to block off the inner city area by 5 p.m.
Crowds had taken their places from earlier in the day and the viewing stands were filled up earlier than expected.
Hotels on the perhera route were accused of selling seats at exorbitant prices, with some of them charging as much as Rs 35,000. Questions were raised whether the ticket prices had been officially sanctioned and the revenue channelled to the Perahera Fund in keeping with the requirements.
Meanwhile, a former Municipal Councillor complained that based on a forged document, the Kandy Municipal Council had permitted seating accommodation outside a hotel. President Maithripala Sirisena viewed the perahera on the final night — yesterday.
The perahera this year saw the elephants and even the drummers and other artistes in new costumes. Bus services provided both by the SLTB and the private operators came in for much praise as they were available round the clock during the perahera season. The day-perahera will be held today and it will end with a ceremony at the President’s House in Kandy.
 Pullayar Kovil Trustee Krishnamurthi placing a 'Tilaka' on the forehead of Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Kovil delegation pays homage to Sacred Relics The delegation led by Kovil trustee Govindaswamy Krishnamurthi was greeted by Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilange Dela at the Drummers Hall. They placed a ‘Tilaka’ on the Diyawadana Nilame’s forehead and made offerings to the Sacred Relics. Hindu religious rites were held after permission was granted by the two service monks. | |