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Health authorities say no to allowing general public at the Esala Perahera
Medical personnel have raised objections to plans to open the Kandy Esala Perahera to the public. They said the decision would be disrespectful to the historic event, if another COVID outbreak took place due to crowds in public areas.
Central Province Health Services Director Dr Nihal Weerasuriya and the Central Province Epidemiologist Suranga Fernando raised their objections during a meeting at the Dalada Maligawa on Friday. The meeting was held to discuss arrangements for the conduct of the perahera.
Dr Weerasuriya pointed out that 762 deaths related to COVID-19 have been so far reported in the Central Province, and of them 498 were from the Kandy district. He also said several areas in the district remain isolated due to the spread of COVID. “Even though the Perahera should be held, it is a matter of deciding how it should be held, and if people are allowed to gather it will be a risk,” he said.
Dr Fernando said it would be best to conduct the Perahera without opening it to the general public, due to COVID risks. He said it was their duty as the health authorities of the Province to point out the health risks.