Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera 2016

The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara will be held from 20-22 January. The historic Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera had its origins in 1927, largely due to the efforts of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helana Wijewardene Lamathani. The perahera will commence with the handing over of the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle by the Viharadhipathi, Ven. Prof. Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera.

This time the Perahera is organised under the guidance of the President of the Dayaka Sabha, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Perahera will commence at 8 p.m. 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. There will be a special enclosure for tourists to view the perahera in association with Sri Lanka Tourist Board.