PICS BY NISAL BADUGE

By M. K. Nandasena and M. N. Piyaratne   

The Esala festival in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala ended after the water cutting ceremony last morning at Jeewamali ferry in Menikganga. The Kapurala performing the rite was brought to the venue of the ceremony in a palanquin. The first pot of water collected from the site was taken to Valliamma Devala after performing traditional rites.   
The water cutting ceremony followed the final Perahera on the previous night.   

 It proceeded to Kirivehera Rajamaha Vihara where the Basnayaka Nilame Dishan Wickremeratne offered a bundle of cash to Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera as a tribute under the Royal proclamation of King Dutugemunu.   

 Addressing the ceremony he said his endeavour was to create an atmosphere for future Basnayake Nilames to carry out the duties without any issues. He commended the services rendered by the police, the security forces, government establishments, private sector institutions, and the civil society organizations by providing facilities and protection to the pilgrims during the festival.   

 Monaragala District Secretary Sahan Ratnayake and several senior officials were present on the occasion.