Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said that plans have been made to publish all relevant matters in a gazette in order to preserve the Kandy Esala Perahera’s traditions without undergoing modernisation in the future.

He also said that, following the advice of the Mahanayakes of the Malwathu and Asgiri Ubhaya Maha Viharas, a document containing proposals to obtain legal permission for the traditions of the perahera was submitted to the previous Government last year, after obtaining the opinions and suggestions of the Maha Sangha and scholars.

Nilanga Dela made this statement while speaking to the media at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

The Diyawadana Nilame stated that the primary objective of this is to prevent the commercialisation of the Kandy Esala Perahera, which is considered the great cultural festival of this country since the days of the ancient kings, and that once its traditions are published in a gazette, the perahera will not be able to be changed according to the wishes of any individual.

He also stated that since the relevant request submitted to the previous Government last year had not been gazetted, he expects to make this request from the current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake through this year’s Perahera Sandesha.

He also said that this will ensure the safety and cultural value of the procession.