News
Perahera set to go ahead; vaccination of participants mandatory
Esala Perahera performers and Adhivasi were vaccinated throughout July
Director of Health Services, Kandy, Dr Nihal Weerasooriya said on Saturday (7) that people would
not be allowed within the Kandy Esala Perahera area during its duration.
He added that the number of artistes taking part in the procession was not decided, and discussions were yet underway. The artistes would be housed in schools allocated for this purpose, and brought in only during the pageant, he added.
According to Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, all artistes taking part in the pageant will be vaccinated, and asked to remain within
the Maligawa complex, without returning
to their homes, until all ceremonies
are concluded.
The vaccination programme for all those involved in perahera activities was as requested by the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, and it was carried out so that both doses were injected on time.
The Diyawadana Nilame told the Sunday Times he would abide by the decision of the health authorities in conducting the perahera.
The perahera is a State event and the prerogative of conducting the perahera is the right of the Diyawadana Nilame.