Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa said that six elephants, including Indiraja, Buruma Raja, Katharagama Wasana, the elephant at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and Miyan Raja, representing the elephant class of Sri Dalada Maligawa, have been proposed to carry the sacred tooth relic of this year’s Esala Maha Perahara.
He said this while participating in the special press conference about the Esala Perahera Festival held at the Golden Arms Pavilion of Sri Dalada Palace, today (10).
He also said that since the processions of other temples and shrines in the island have ended, more elephants can participate in the Esala Perahara festival this year. Six elephants are proposed to carry out the sacred tooth relic.
Moreover, the Diyawadana Nilameya said that although some organizations have issued various statements that elephants will be tortured during the Esala Perahera festival, there will be no such violence in action. Diyawadana Nilameya further expalained that the elephants are chained not to torture them but rather for the safety of the devotees who come to watch the procession.
