Kelaniya Perahera on Wednesday

The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera will be held on January 7, 8 and 9. The historic Maha Perahera had its origins in the year 1927, due largely to the efforts of that great philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani.

The religious cultural pageant has evolved over the years to permanent position, as the country's most elaborate and grandest low country pageant in its category. Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, the most sacred temple in the Western province since Lord Buddha's sojourn here during His 3rd historic visit to Sri Lanka celebrates this event annually in the "Duruthu Poya" during January by conducting a historic, traditional and cultural pageant, the "Kelani Perahera".