President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said Sri Lanka’s historic Esala Maha Perahera should not be drawn into political disputes, stressing the need to safeguard the religious and cultural tradition from political controversy. The President made the remarks at the President’s House in Kandy on Aug. 28 after receiving the traditional “Sannasa,” formally conveying the successful conclusion of the annual Esala Maha Perahera of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Sathara Maha Devala, or Four Chief Shrines. Dissanayake said it was “entirely inappropriate” for anyone to use the historic heritage associated with the Sacred Tooth Relic for political purposes or to settle disputes. He said there should never again be discussion on a political platform in Sri Lanka about stopping the Perahera, underscoring what he described as the longstanding bond between the institution of the State, the Sacred Tooth Relic and the country’s cultural heritage. The President thanked the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters and the Maha Sangha for their guidance in conducting the annual procession. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Diyawadana Nilame, the Basnayake Nilames of the Sathara Maha Devala, state officials, artistes and others involved in the event. Dissanayake also linked the preservation of cultural heritage and national identity with efforts to combat drug abuse, calling for a reassessment of social values in a society where wealth and power have increasingly become measures of status. He said human relationships, cultural heritage, connections with history and compassion should instead form the values guiding society. The President said Perahera traditions across Sri Lanka, led by the Dalada Perahera, have a role in building what he described as a more civilised society. He also called for the preservation of traditional artistic communities and a state-supported cultural revival. Dissanayake invited the public to participate in what he described as a new era of cultural renaissance aimed at addressing challenges facing the country. (Newswire) The post No political platform should discuss stopping Perahera: President appeared first on Newswire.
