Perahera traditions must be preserved - President

Irangika Range

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that youth who take part in the Kandy Esala Perahera belong to a generation which loves their motherland.

The President said he is assured that ancient traditions and customs relating to the Perahera would be preserved by the future generations due to enthusiasm displayed by the present day generation to preserve them.

President Rajapaksa made this observation when Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela called on him at President's House in Kandy to officially inform him of the successful completion of the Kandy Esala Perahera.

The Diyawadana Nilame and the four Basnayake Nilames presented the Sannasa to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the successful completion of the Kandy Esala Perahera. The President then participated in the religious observances.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he appreciates the great contribution made by Most Ven Malwathu and Asgiriya Mahanayake Theras for the success of the Kandy Esala Perahera. He also thanked all those who tirelessly worked for the success of the Perahera

The President said he had seen the great reverence that the people paid to the Sacred Tooth Relic after talking with them. The Maha Sangha and ancient kings had always protected the Sacred Tooth Relic from foreign invaders and during times of terrorism. Reconstruction work on the Dalada Maligawa has been completed after the destruction caused by the terrorists.

President Rajapaksa promised to reconstruct everything that was destroyed by terrorism.

President Rajapaksa also awarded cash prizes, gifts and certificates to all Perahera artistes.