The Sannasa (Scroll of Memorandum) on the successful conclusion of the Perahera was handed over to President Rajapaksa by the Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Custodian) of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) Pradeep Nilanga Dela. The Sannasa formally announce the end of the Annual Sri Dalada Festival to the President and that the Perahera was held successfully in keeping with the age old traditions.
According to the traditions, Diyawadana Nilame accompanied by the Basnayaka Nilames of the main four Devalayas reported to the head of the state of the successful completion of the annual Esala Perahera of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and the four Devalayas just after the Day Perahera.
President Rajapaksa extended his profound thanks on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka to all those have involved in the conduct of the Dalada Perahera in such grand splendour and its successful conclusion.
After handing over the Sannas Pathraya, the President and the Nilames entered the shrine room and made offerings to the Lord Buddha. The President also posed for a group picture with them.
The President and the Frist Lady thereafter gave food to the baby elephants "Abhaya Raja" and "Mihin Raja" belonging to the Dalada Maligawa.
A traditional ceremony was held under the patronage of the President to present awards and certificates of appreciation to artistes who participated in the Perahera.
First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa, Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Mayor of Kandy Mahendra Ratwatte, District Secretary Gamini Senevirathna were present at the occasion. (KH)
