"This historic occasion, which brings together people of all communities at a shared place of worship, reflects our national identity and reinforces national unity." - President
The final grand procession of the 2026 Esala Perahera of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held last night (29), with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joining thousands of devotees to witness the sacred event.
President Dissanayake visited the historic Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya yesterday afternoon (29), where he met the Chief Sanghanayaka of Ruhunu Magampattuwa and Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero and received blessings.
The President later joined thousands of devotees gathered to witness the Perahera procession.
He also participated in religious observances held at the Kirivehera premises and attended the ceremonial placement of the Sacred Relic Casket on the ceremonial tusker.
The President also ceremonially inaugurated the illumination of the Kirivehera temple premises.
Addressing the gathering held afterwards, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that this historic occasion, which brings together people from all communities at a single sacred place of worship, reflects Sri Lanka’s national identity and the spirit of national unity.
The President emphasised that the historical and cultural foundations upon which a country and its society are built play a vital role in national development. He noted that, regardless of the transformations taking place around the world, Sri Lanka must continue its progress while safeguarding its historical heritage. He further stated that the annual Esala Perahera of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya is a significant occasion that demonstrates the enduring connection between the people, their historical cultural heritage and their motherland.
Further addressing the gathering, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said:
"Every nation and society is rooted in a cultural foundation that is unique to its own identity. We are living in an era marked by extraordinary advances in science and technology, bringing profound transformations to art, literature and many other aspects of human civilization.
As a country pursues development, it is essential to preserve the historical and cultural foundations upon which its society has been built. No matter how much the world changes, Sri Lanka must continue to move forward while safeguarding its rich historical heritage. If we lose our organic connection with our land and our cultural roots, we risk becoming a society detached from its identity, undermining both our national character and the dignity of our people. The annual Esala Perahera of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya is one of the country's most significant cultural and religious events, reflecting the enduring bond between our people, their cultural heritage and their motherland.
As the Chief Incumbent noted, this magnificent cultural pageant has been observed continuously for 2,187 years. The uninterrupted continuation of a cultural tradition for more than two millennia demonstrates the remarkable depth and resilience of our civilisation. Generation after generation has remained connected to this historic festival, and it is through the preservation of such traditions that a society maintains its continuity and identity. Accordingly, the annual Esala Perahera of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya is not only a celebration of our cultural heritage but also a historic occasion that safeguards the cultural foundations upon which our nation has been built and passes that priceless legacy on to future generations.
There is often concern that the younger generation is becoming increasingly detached from our cultural heritage. Yet, when we witness this magnificent procession, we see thousands of young men and women proudly carrying forward the traditions handed down by our ancestors. This demonstrates that they have embraced the responsibility of preserving these historic traditions for generations to come and possess both the commitment and the ability to carry that responsibility forward.
The service rendered by our Chief Incumbent in fulfilling this important responsibility has been invaluable. The Esala Perahera and its associated cultural traditions reflect the diverse communities that come together in devotion. Tamil devotees from the North undertake a weeks-long Pada Yatra (foot pilgrimage), travelling through forest terrain and enduring various challenges to participate in this sacred festival. Similarly, Muslim devotees observe their own unique religious traditions, while hundreds of thousands of Sinhalese devotees also take part in the Perahera celebrations.
This historic occasion therefore reflects not only our national identity but also the spirit of national unity. At a time when societies around the world continue to face division and conflict, this sacred festival brings together people from all communities in an atmosphere of peace, harmony and coexistence at a shared place of worship. The guidance and leadership provided by our Chief Incumbent have been instrumental in preserving this tradition and fostering that unity. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Chief Incumbent for his invaluable service, and I also wish to thank the newly appointed Basnayake Nilame and everyone who has contributed to the successful organisation of this year's festival.
The President also presented the official declaration marking the conclusion of the Perahera to the Chief Incumbent of the historic Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Kobawaka Dhaminda Nayaka Thera.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development R.M. Jayawardena, Governor of the Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Public Representatives including Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijeweera, Monaragala District Secretary A.G. Nishantha, Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, Basnayake Nilame of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Thilina Madhusankha, representatives of the business community and a large number of devotees.
