A preliminary discussion on the organisation of the Walukarama Temple Esala Maha Perahera 2026 in Kollupitiya was held yesterday afternoon (02) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The Esala Maha Perahera will be held for the 63rd time this year from 2 to 7 August, in conjunction with the annual Esala festival. Discussions focused on securing State patronage to conduct the event on a grand scale and on the necessary preparatory arrangements.
The final Perahera, scheduled for the night of 7 August, will proceed along Walukarama Road, Galle Road, through the Kollupitiya junction and the Liberty Roundabout, and continue along R. A. de Mel Mawatha before returning to the temple premises.
The meeting also discussed the contributions to be made by all State institutions supporting the successful conduct of the Perahera, as well as the assistance to be provided by public and private sector organisations extending financial sponsorship.
The Chief Incumbent of the five principal temples, including Walukarama Temple, and Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Province, including the Colombo District, Venerable Maharagama Nanda Nayaka Thera, stated that the Walukarama Perahera had not been held in recent years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. He noted that, in view of the favourable conditions presently prevailing in the country, a decision had been taken to revive the event this year. He also expressed appreciation for the support extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government towards ensuring the successful conduct of the Perahera.
Also present were Kollupitiya Walukarama, Ubhaya Viharadhikari Shasthrapathi Venerable Udawela Kolitha Thera, Venerable Elkaduwa Nabhitha Thera, Venerable Amugoda Saddhalankara Thera, Venerable Unapana Nanda Wimala Thera of Royal College Colombo, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Colombo Assistant District Secretary N. S. Pathirana, officials of State institutions, representatives of sponsoring companies, and senior members of the security forces.
