Foreign diplomats head to Kandy by train for ’Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ inauguration ceremony

Foreign diplomats representing several countries travelled to Kandy this morning in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from the Colombo Fort Railway Station at around 7:00 a.m., the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

 

According to the PMD, diplomats from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea are among those participating.

 

The 'Siri Dalada Vandanawa', a special veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic, begins today (April 18) after a 16-year hiatus. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

 

This initiative is intended to send a message to Sri Lanka’s friendly nations that the country is on the path to economic recovery, has overcome past challenges, and is fostering national harmony. The event also aims to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka.

 

Upon arrival in Kandy, the delegation first visited the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where a special Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration was organised in accordance with local customs to welcome them.

 

Additional diplomats are expected to join the group in Kandy, bringing the total number of participants to 44. Together, they will proceed to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the 'Siri Dalada Vandanawa.' After the event, the group will return to Colombo by train.

 

At the request of the President, the 'Siri Dalada Vandanawa' will be conducted under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, and under the direction of the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. The event will be held over 10 days, from today until April 27.

 

Public Veneration Times:

April 18 (Opening Day): 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 19–27: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily