Colombo: A key discussion regarding the organization and sponsorship of the 76th Esala Maha Perahera of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya was conducted at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the Secretary to the President.

According to News.LK, the annual perahera, scheduled from 25 July to 16 August, is one of the significant cultural festivals in the country, following the Dalada Perahera. The discussion focused on ensuring state support for this year’s event. It was decided that financial assistance would be sought from several state institutions, pending approval from the General Treasury. These institutions include the Department of Public Trustee, Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Development Lotteries Board, National Lotteries Board, Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including the Chief Incumbent of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera, and Viharadhikari Venerable Bellanwila Sangharathana Thera. Also present were Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairman of the Perahera Committee H. D. Premasiri, and other officials from the Kesbewa and Boralesgamuwa Urban Councils, along with representatives from the sponsoring state institutions.