PRESIDENT PRESENTED WITH ESALA PERAHERA SANNASA
In keeping with traditional customs, Diyawadana Nilame of the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa, Nilanga Dela Bandara, along with the Basnayake Nilames of the Sathara Maha Devalaya, presented the traditional communication of the successful conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera (Sannasa) to the Head of State, President
Maithripala Sirisena at President’s House in Kandy yesterday.
The grand religious festival of Esala Perahera came to a successful end yesterday with the water cutting ceremony.
The President welcomed the Diyawadana Nilame and the Nilames of the Sathara Maha Devales and the Pitisara Devalas to the President’s House.
Later, the Diyawadana Nilame presented the traditional communication to President Maithripala Sirisena.
Speaking at the occasion, the President said the historic Esala Perahera was the main event of the country’s proud culture and also an spiritual pooja which showcases the country’s traditional values.
The President said that he had instructed the officials to arrange special security measures for the safety for the Perahera. He also said, as done previously, the government had fully sponsored the Perahera procession.
The government had managed to stabilise the country’s national security after the Easter Sunday attack on April 21 with the assistance of the armed forces
“Certain individuals within the government itself made unwarranted statements claiming that the country’s national security had been weakened. They made such statements to achieve petty political gains. I request all these people not to make irresponsible statements,” he said.
He said such statements could create fear among the people would also affect the development of the country and all other affairs. “No one should try to destabilise the country for political gains,” the President said.
He said the government had managed to stabilise the country’s national security after the Easter Sunday attack on April 21 with the assistance of the armed forces. “Unlike in other countries, these strong measures helped us in preventing terror attacks from repeating,” the President said.
The President expressed his gratitude to all the members of the security forces for providing security to the Perahera, handed over traditional presents to the artistes took part in the Perahera and provided financial assistance for the conservation of the Sathara Maha Devales and the Pitisara Devales.
The President was presented with the book titled, “Sacred Dalada Tradition’ (Pujaniya Dalada Sanskruthiya). First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena, Central Province Governor Keerthi Tennakoon, North Central Province Governor Sarath Ekanayake and President’s Secretary Udaya R. Seneviratne were present at the occasion.