The government says that all main Buddhist Temples and Devalas in the country will be allowed to conduct annual religious processions, also known as Peraheras, without the participation of spectators.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the Diyawadana Nilame, the chief lay custodian of Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, and other Basnayaka Nilames to organize this year’s Peraheras of main Buddhist temples and Devalas while giving prominence to traditions and rituals.
The President emphasized that the Peraheras including that of the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Kataragama, Devinuwara and Sabaragamuwa should be organized in a manner that they assist the eradication of COVID-19 and according to health guidelines.
The President issued these instructions during a discussion held today regarding the organizing of annual Perahera, with the participation of the Task Force on COVID-19 at the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s Media Division said.
The general public will not be permitted to participate or watch the Perahera of any temple this year, it said.
Meanwhile the devotees will also not be allowed to take part in Pada Yatra to Kataragama Perahera from Nallur n Jaffna, Trincomalee and other parts of Easter Province.
