The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara began yesterday and will continue until January 9.The historic Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera had its origins in the year 1927, due largely to the efforts of the great philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte, a release issued by Chief Basnayake Nilame of Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, Dhammika Attygalle said.
The perahera will commence with the handing over the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle by the Viharadhipathi Ven. Prof. Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkhita Nayake Thera.Three Devala Peraheras will follow the main Sacred Relics Perehera. They are the perahera of the Devalas of Lord Vibishana, Lord Vishnu and Lord Kataragama. The Basnayake Nilames of the respective Devala Peraheras are Lalith Hapangama, Jayaraja Chandrasekera and Samantha Perera.