The 769th Annual Esala Festival of the historic Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara will culminate with the Randoli Grand Perahera today (29), which is scheduled to parade through the streets between 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at an auspicious time under extensive security arrangements.
The Randoli Perahera will feature the ceremonial procession of the sacred regalia and the relic casket. Unlike the earlier Kewadi (line) processions, today's grand parade will include a significantly larger number of elephants and traditional dance troupes.
The sixth Kewadi Perahera, which attracted considerable public attention in recent days, was held yesterday (28), commencing at the auspicious time of 2:55 p.m. and concluding later that night.
Security for today's event has been significantly strengthened. Under the direct supervision of Southern Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Kithsiri Jayalath, approximately 1,700 security personnel have been deployed. The security operation includes 1,200 police officers, 150 Special Task Force (STF) officers led by Superintendent Wewitawithana, 200 intelligence officers, as well as members of the Sri Lanka Army.
According to reporters, yesterday's Kewadi Perahera featured 31 Kewadi groups, 32 traditional dance troupes, and three elephants, with each Kewadi group provided dedicated police protection.
The first Kewadi Perahera, held on 23 July, was led by the official Basnayake Nilame, Arachchige Thilina Madhusanka. For the subsequent Kewadi processions, retired Grama Niladhari Rohana Jayasinghe, who served as the Basnayake Nilame's Secretary, performed the ceremonial role of Basnayake Nilame.
For today's concluding Randoli Grand Perahera, prominent Devinuwara businessman Nuwanjith Sellahawa is expected to serve as the ceremonial Basnayake Nilame.
