April 28, Colombo (LNW): The Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters, together with the custodians of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, have announced the successful conclusion of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa”, the special public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
In a jointly issued statement, they confirmed that this revered event was organised in response to a request made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, granting the public the rare honour of venerating the Sacred Tooth Relic after a span of sixteen years.
The exposition, held at the sacred premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, unfolded over ten consecutive days, from 18 to 27 April, drawing immense crowds.
Thousands of Buddhist devotees from across Sri Lanka and abroad made the pilgrimage to Kandy, many queuing for hours to pay their respects. The Chief Prelates and the custodians expressed deep satisfaction at the success of the event, highlighting it as a historic gathering and a significant moment of religious unity and devotion in the country’s recent history.
The joint statement also conveyed profound gratitude towards all parties who contributed to the smooth and respectful conduct of the event. It acknowledged the efforts of the clergy, the temple administration, state authorities, security forces, volunteers, and the countless devotees whose collective dedication ensured the serene atmosphere throughout the exposition.
This formal announcement bore the signatures of Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangalabidhana Mahanayake Thero, Most Venerable Warakagoda Dhammasiddhi Sri Pagghananda Gnanarathanabidhana Mahanayake Thero, and the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, affirming the unity and solemn pride with which this sacred event was conducted.
