25 August, 2019
The 69th annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera ceremonies commenced on August 4, with the opening of the newly constructed auditorium, the Gunanusmarana Mandiraya.
The Mal Peraheras were held from August 18-21. This was followed by the Pavada Perahera on Thursday.
The Ransivili Perahera paraded the streets on Friday and the Randoli Perahera was held yesterday. It paraded on the Dehiwala-Maharagama main road, proceeded to Bellantara Junction, then to Pepiliyana and turned to Vihara Mawatha and then back to the temple. There were over 30 elephants with the majestic tusker carrying the Sacred Relics.
The Bellanwila Esala festival ends today with the water-cutting ceremony and the offering of alms to the Gods (Devadanaya). - Premasara Epasinghe