KANDY The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, in coordination with Sri
Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, organized a special visit for members of the Diplomatic Corps to
Kandy from 26 to 28 August 2026, providing them with an opportunity to witness the Kandy
Esala Perahera and experience Sri Lanka’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Around 70 members of the Diplomatic Corps, comprising Colombo-based Heads of Mission,
Heads of Mission concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka and resident in New Delhi, their
spouses and other diplomatic officers, participated in the three-day programme.
The programme commenced with a visit to the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy
(SIBA Campus) Pallekele, the higher educational institution of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy,
where the visiting diplomats had an opportunity to understand the activities carried out by the
Campus in preserving the Buddhist ideology and heritage. The diplomats also attended a
briefing on the historical, religious and cultural significance of the Kandy Esala Perahera. A
cultural programme was also held, followed by a traditional dinner hosted by the Chief
Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa, offering the guests an experience inspired by the traditions
and hospitality of the Kandyan era.
On 27 August, the Diplomatic Corps visited Sri Dalada Maligawa, where they witnessed the
traditional Thewawa ceremony. The delegation also visited places of historical and cultural
interest associated with the Temple and Kandy, including the International Buddhist Museum,
the elephant stables and Ehelepola Walawwa.
A traditional luncheon was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment
and Tourism at Ehelepola Walawwa, providing the visiting diplomats with a further
opportunity to experience Sri Lankan culinary traditions and hospitality.
The highlight of the visit was witnessing the Grand Randoli Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most
significant religious and cultural pageants. The visiting diplomats experienced the grandeur of
the procession, featuring traditional dancers, drummers, ceremonial performers and elephants,
reflecting centuries-old traditions associated with Sri Dalada Maligawa
