The much-anticipated “Siri Dalada Vandanawa,” a special veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic, officially commences today (April 18) after 16 years. The inaugural ceremony will be attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, along with ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from various countries.
Diplomatic representatives from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada, and South Korea will be part of the distinguished group. The diplomats traveled to Kandy this morning aboard a special observation saloon train that departed from Colombo Fort Railway Station at approximately 7:00 a.m.
This initiative is designed to send a message to Sri Lanka’s international allies, demonstrating the country’s economic recovery, overcoming past challenges, and promoting national unity. The event also aims to strengthen global support for Sri Lanka, as stated by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Upon arrival in Kandy, the diplomatic delegation first visited the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where a special Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration was held in their honor, showcasing local customs and traditions.
With additional diplomats expected to join the group in Kandy, the total number of participants will reach 44. After the welcoming ceremony, the delegation will proceed to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to partake in the official opening of the “Siri Dalada Vandanawa.” Following the event, the group will return to Colombo by train, according to PMD.
Under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and the direction of the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic temple, the event will last for 10 days, running from today until April 27.
On the opening day (18), the public will have the opportunity to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. From April 19 onwards, the public will be allowed to venerate the relic daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
