President handed over ‘Sandeshaya’ as Esala Perahera concludes
The Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, handed over the Esala Perahera ‘Sandeshaya’ (scroll) to President Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon (31).
The ‘Sandeshaya’ highlights the meticulous execution of the annual Esala Perahera at Kandy’s Sri Dalanda Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), a magnificent cultural festival celebrated with great reverence for ancient traditions.
Accompanied by the Nilames of Sathara Maha Dawala and Pitisara Dewala, including the Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the procession made its way to the Kandy President’s House. The President warmly welcomed them at the main gate of the premises.Following the acceptance of the ‘Sandeshaya’, the President offered a fruit treat to the baby elephant “Sindu”, who represented elephants that graced the Perahera procession. Continuing the tradition, a group photo was taken with the Nilames and the President. President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to honour the artists who participated in the Perahera by presenting them with traditional gifts and awards.
Additionally, he extended financial support to ‘Pitisara Devala’ through the “Esala Perahera Trust” and shared the book “Sacred Dalada Culture,” a compilation by the Central Provincial Ministry of Culture.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing his deep gratitude to all those who supported the Perahera, including the Diyawadana Nilame and led by the Nilames of the Sathara Devala, emphasized the significance of safeguarding the historical Kandy Esala Perahera. He highlighted that this event was not only a religious and national celebration, but also a grand cultural festival that showcased Sri Lankan heritage to the global stage. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of carrying this legacy forward.
Acknowledging the importance of elephant protection, the President also underscored the need to preserve and uphold our ancient customs. He called for the resolution of challenges such as acquiring tame elephants for the Perahera through constructive negotiations. Additionally, President Wickremesinghe noted that Kandy’s esteemed Esala Maha Perahera would hold a special place in a program designed to enhance progress in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by the upcoming year.
The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including Central Province Governor Lalith U Gamage, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, State Minister Dilum Amunugama, Member of Parliament Gunathilaka Rajapakse, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, as well as various government officials and the chiefs of the three armed forces. Additionally, the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, along with Basnayake Nilames representing the Sathara Maha Devala, Pitisara Devala and other Nilames were also present at the event.
(Pics : PMD)
NEWS
President attends last Randoli Perahera (Pics)
President Ranil Wickramasinghe attended the last Randoli Perahera of the Esala Perahera Festival at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy yesterday.
Professor Maithrie Wickramasinghe, Ministers Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Susil Premajayanth, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake and US Senate Member Chris Van Hollen and US Ambassador Julie Chung were also present.
At 7.03 pm yesterday (30) the Esala Perahera started parading towards the northern direction in front of the Sri Dalada Maligawa via Senanayake Street and passed through Raja Street.
A large number of people gathered on both sides of the perahera route to watch the final Randoli Perahera.
PHOTO STORY
China donates military communication vehicles to SL (Pics)
Acting Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon officially accepted a USD 6.2 million worth Emergency Command and Communication System Vehicle Fleet comprising of 11 automobiles from the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, during a ceremony at the Army Headquarters premises yesterday (22).
Following the acceptance of military-to-military donation from the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Colonel Zhou Bo, Acting Defence Minister Tennakoon handed over the same to Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne and the Defence Secretary symbolically presented the keys to the Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage.
The Sri Lankan defence top brass along with the Chinese Embassy officials inspected the vehicles at the venue and Chief Signal Officer Maj. Gen. Sugath Rathnayake and Chinese Defence Attaché Senior Colonel Zhou Bo placed their signatures on an MOU.
Sri Lanka Army intends to deploy these highly-developed military automobiles for both internal security and special duties in future.
Acting Defence Minister Tennakoon presented a memento to the Chinese Defence Attaché Senior Col. Bo on behalf of the Sri Lanka Army as a gesture of goodwill and to symbolise the event.
Additional Secretaries, Senior Officials of the Defence Ministry, Senior Army Officers and Assistant Defence Attaché of the Embassy of China were also present.
PHOTO STORY
Presidents unveils plans to develop Mannar as he joins Madhu Church Feast (Pics)
During his presence at the annual festival of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar today (15), President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to transform Mannar into an energy hub. He also revealed that an inter-city express train service between Thalaimannar and Colombo will commence on September 15th aiming at enhancing connectivity and facilitate smoother travel between the two cities.
It is also noteworthy that President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the morning service of the feast this year.
Subsequent to the main ceremony, a revered statue of Lady Madhu was respectfully carried in procession throughout the church grounds to pay homage to the devoted attendees.
A significant number of devotees from various parts of the island gathered for the annual feast. The year 2024 marks the completion of 100 years since the enshrinement of the revered statue of Lady Madhu. The church management board has decided to hold services throughout the year to commemorate this occasion.
Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio of Sri Lanka, who attended the main service, commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement in Parliament regarding National Peace and Reconciliation. He mentioned that this statement has received the blessings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe emphasized that religious leaders have a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country. He also stressed that whether a religious figure divides or unites the country is determined by their own actions.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented:
It must be acknowledged that the annual feasts of the National Shrine of Lady Madhu are an integral part of our local culture. Therefore, considering this festival as a national event, the government bears the responsibility of safeguarding and supporting its continuation.
Furthermore, on this occasion, I extend the government’s gratitude to all the clergy who dedicate themselves to organizing the annual Madhu feast.
Numerous devotees come here to seek solace through prayers to Lady Madhu. During last year’s economic crisis, a substantial number of devotees gathered here to pray for Lady Madhu’s assistance and protection. It can be said that Lady Madhu’s blessings provided us with strength during that challenging time.
The Mannar region, where the National Shrine of Lady Madhu is located, possesses abundant renewable energy resources. With access to solar, wind, and green energies, the Mannar district can be developed into an energy hub.
We have also formulated plans to transform Punarin into an energy city. It is important to note that all these development initiatives are designed to preserve this sacred land and its forests. I have instructed officials to seek advice and guidance from the clergy here during these development efforts.
An inter-city express train service from Thalaimannar to Colombo is scheduled to commence on the 15th of September. This service is being launched in response to the request of MP Charles Nirmalanathan. Additionally, steps have been taken to establish a sugar factory in Vavuniya, as requested by MP Selvam Adekkalanathan. Cabinet approval has been obtained for this project. These measures aim to facilitate rapid development in these regions. Through these endeavors, we aspire to build a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. I count on your support in achieving this goal.
The event was attended by bishops led by Bishop of Mannar Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, clergy including President of the Christian Development Foundation of Sri Lanka Dr. Chandru Fernando, Minister of Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister Naleen Fernando, State Minister Arundika Fernando, Kader Mastan, Member of Parliament Kavinda Jayawardene, Selvam Adekkalanathan, Charles Nirmalanathan, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, and a large number of devotees.
(President’s Media Division)
