President Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the concluding ceremonies of the 2026 Esala Perahera at Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, highlighting the festival's role in preserving Sri Lanka's cultural identity and promoting national cohesion.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the final grand procession of the 2026 Kataragama Esala Perahera on Wednesday evening, joining thousands of devotees at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya in the southern district. Earlier that day, the President visited the Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, where he received blessings from senior monks and participated in religious ceremonies, including the placement of the Sacred Relic Casket on a ceremonial elephant and the illumination of the temple premises.
Addressing attendees following the procession, President Dissanayake characterised the festival as a powerful emblem of Sri Lanka's continuous civilisation, noting its uninterrupted observance for over two thousand years. He stressed that the nation must pursue development while maintaining the historical and cultural foundations that anchor national identity. The President highlighted the festival's significance in demonstrating inter-community harmony, pointing to the participation of Tamil pilgrims undertaking traditional week-long journeys, alongside Muslim and Sinhalese devotees who observe their respective religious practices during the celebrations.
The President observed that strong youth participation in the festival indicates younger generations remain committed to safeguarding national traditions. He commended the Chief Incumbent and newly appointed Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madhusankha for their roles in organising and preserving the religious and cultural dimensions of the annual pageant. The ceremony concluded with the President presenting an official declaration marking the conclusion of the 2026 Esala Perahera to temple officials. Senior government figures, law enforcement officials, and provincial administrators attended the event.
