By Shane Seneviratne   

Sri Dalada Maligawa has decided to organise a Janaraja Perahera to mark the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence. It will be held on February 18. Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela said special processions are to be organised on the request of the government to mark significant events of national importance.   

He said the Janaraja Perahera on February 18, with the participation of several elephants bearing the Janaraja emblem, would parade the streets in Kandy town.  

He said for the first time a Janaraja Perahera had been held in 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic during the time of Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. He further said that special processions had been held on the day of the opening of the Golden Canopy in Sri Dalada Maligawa to mark the victory of the North East war. 

• For the first time a Janaraja Perahera had been held in 1972 when Sri  Lanka became a republic during the time of Prime Minister Sirimavo  Bandaranaike