Galapatha temple pageant

"The annual cultural pageant of the Galapatha temple which will be held from Dec. 25 to 27 is expected to draw large numbers of foreign tourists in the Southern province which had been a star attraction in the past in the Bentota area.

It is important that foreign tourists get to know the cultural heritage of our country", Deputy Minister of Economic Development,Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said at a press briefing held in Colombo.

The chief incumbent of the Galapatha temple Ven. Sigiriye Anoma Thera said the annual cultural pageant has showcased Bentota, Moragalle, Hikkaduwa and Ahungalla, where large numbers of tourist hotels are located.

The annual perahera is held not because of tourists but because of the historical importance of the Galapatha temple that dates back to the Anuradhapura era.

JJ