The Kelani Duruthu Perahera will be conducted from today for three days with the Randoli Perahera being held on the final day, for the first time in five years, due to the improved security situation, said a spokesman for the organising committee.
![](../images/Kelyaniya-Duruthu.jpg) |
A brochure publicising the Perahera |
The perahera will commence at 8 p.m. with the handing over of the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle by the Chief Incumbent, Prof. Dr. Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkhita Nayaka Thera.
The Uda Maluwa Perahera will be on January 16. On January 17 and 18, the perahera will be conducted around the Kelaniya sacred city.
The Dayaka Sabhawa has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the success of this historic religious pageant much revered by all Sri Lankans, a press release from the Dayaka Sabhawa said.
This year too, a special effort is being made to focus on tourists eager to acquaint themselves with the majesty and splendour of Sri Lanka’s cultural facets such as this historic perahera.
The spokesman said they intend having over 50 elephants, with more than 1,000 participants including dancers in the Perahera.
The historic Kelani Duruthu Perahera had its origins in 1927, due largely to the efforts of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helana Wijewardene. |