While several countries around the world are experiencing significant positive progress, Sri Lanka has been in a state of economic decline for many years, with the nation facing bankruptcy and a deterioration of its cultural and traditional values, said Dr. Khellanwila Dhammarathana Thero, the Chief Sangha Leader of Singapore and the Chief Incumbent of Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya.
In his address at a recent gathering held at Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, the Thero expressed his deep concerns about the current state of the country. The meeting was organized to express gratitude to the institutions and individuals who contributed to the success of the Bellanwila Esala Perahera, a traditional and culturally significant Buddhist festival held annually in Sri Lanka.
The Thero reflected on the challenges faced during the most recent Esala Perahera. “The cost of holding the last Perahera was double the financial assistance we received,” he said. “However, thanks to the unwavering dedication and support from various groups and institutions, we were able to successfully conduct the event.”
He also shared a poignant memory from past Peraheras, recalling that at one point, as many as 111 elephants marched in the grand procession, an iconic and awe-inspiring sight. “Today, it is extremely difficult to find such elephants, and even if we do, the financial cost of maintaining them is far beyond what it was in the past,” Thero explained. The Perahera’s historical significance and its grandeur have faced challenges in recent years due to the economic situation in the country, which has hindered efforts to uphold the festival’s traditional scale.
The Thero also spoke about the future of the Perahera, acknowledging the hardships that lie ahead. “I foresee even more difficulties in organizing future Peraheras than what we faced this time,” he said. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of continuing this centuries-old cultural tradition, which has been a hallmark of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage for over 2300 years. “It is crucial that we do not allow this culturally valuable Perahera to be halted for any reason,” he asserted.
Dr. Khellanwila Dhammarathana Thero called on the gathered institutions, individuals, and the public to rally together in overcoming the financial and logistical hurdles, ensuring that the cultural continuity of the Perahera remains intact for future generations. “Understanding the difficulties we face, I urge everyone to commit themselves to the success of the next Perahera, as we have done in the past,” he concluded.
