The 11-day Kandy Esala Perahera festival drew more than two million visitors to the historic city, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attending the final procession. The event concluded without security incidents.
The Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural events, attracted over two million visitors throughout its 11-day run, according to police figures. The festival culminated with the final Randoli Perahera procession on August 27, followed by the traditional water-cutting ceremony the next day at the Mahaweli River in Gatambe.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the closing procession, watching the final Randoli Perahera from the Mahamaluwa of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic seated among the general public. Following the completion of ceremonial activities, officials formally presented him with a scroll confirming the successful conclusion of the festival at the President's House.
Transport authorities managed the significant influx of visitors by deploying additional bus services throughout the festival period. The Sri Lanka Transport Board and Central Province Passenger Transport Authority coordinated expanded operations, which received positive feedback from attendees. Security forces, including police and tri-forces personnel, maintained order throughout the event with no reported incidents during the entire 11-day period.
The festival's conclusion involved multiple stages of religious and ceremonial activities. The final daytime procession departed from Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya and proceeded through central Kandy streets, circling the Sri Dalada Maligawa Square three times before the Sacred Relics were returned to the temple. The event ended with awards presented to performers recognized for exceptional performances during this year's pageant.
