President Hails Kataragama Esala Perahera as a Beacon of Heritage and Harmony
July 30, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined thousands of worshippers at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya on Wednesday evening to witness the concluding Randoli Perahera of the 2026 Esala festival, praising the centuries-old celebration as a powerful reflection of Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy and communal harmony.
Earlier in the day, the President paid a visit to the Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, where he received blessings from the Chief Sanghanayaka of Ruhunu Magampattuwa and Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero. He also took part in a series of religious observances, including the ceremonial placement of the Sacred Relic Casket on the festival tusker, before officially inaugurating the illumination of the temple grounds.
Addressing devotees after the procession, President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka’s path towards economic and social progress should be firmly rooted in the preservation of its rich historical and cultural traditions. He observed that the Kataragama Esala Perahera remains one of the nation’s most treasured religious and cultural events, embodying the enduring connection between the people, their heritage and the country itself.
The President noted that the uninterrupted continuation of the festival for more than 2,000 years stands as a testament to the resilience of Sri Lanka’s civilisation. He also welcomed the enthusiastic participation of younger generations, describing it as an encouraging sign that the country’s cultural traditions will continue to thrive in the years ahead.
Highlighting the festival’s unique ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, President Dissanayake said the annual celebrations continue to foster mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Sri Lanka’s different religious and ethnic communities. He pointed to the participation of Hindu devotees undertaking the traditional week-long Pada Yatra pilgrimage, alongside Buddhist, Muslim and other worshippers who gather in Kataragama during the festival, creating a rare atmosphere of unity and shared devotion.
The President also commended Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero for his continued efforts in safeguarding the religious and cultural significance of the annual pageant. He extended his congratulations to the newly appointed Basnayake Nilame, Thilina Madhusankha, as well as the organisers, officials and volunteers whose contributions ensured the successful conduct of this year’s festival.
Following the conclusion of the procession, President Dissanayake formally handed over the official declaration marking the end of the 2026 Esala Perahera to the Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development R.M. Jayawardena, Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekara, MP Ruwan Wijeweera, Monaragala District Secretary A.G. Nishantha, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya and a large gathering of devotees.
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