A special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Siri Dalada Wandanawa) will be held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy from April 18-27, the first such public Exposition in 16 years.
The exposition will be open to the public on April 18 from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and from April 19 to 27, daily from 12 noon to 5.30 p.m. There will be three queues for the public, two from around the Nuwara Wewa and one from D. S. Senanayake Veediya.
Asgiri Deputy Lekakadhikari Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thera and Malwathu Deputy Lekakadhikari Ven. Mahawela Rathanapala Nayaka Thera have called upon Buddhists to make use of this rare opportunity. They said food would be provided to the people in the queues at night. Parallel to the event, the public will be educated on the history of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the traditional poojas associated with it.
They told the media at the Government Information Department on Thursday that a special gate would be reserved for bhikkhus to enter the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises, adding that all of them would be provided with alms (Dahawal Danaya).
Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said a large crowd is expected at the sacred veneration of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha organised on a request of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Kandy Additional District Secretary E.R.L.B. Etampawala said 31 public institutions will provide their services for the event, including the Presidential Secretariat and Tri-Forces personnel.
“Clean drinking water, toilet facilities, waste disposal bins, phone charging facilities, first-aid, special lighting and vehicle parking facilities will be provided in the area for the convenience of the devotees. Special public transport services will be provided to and from Kandy and within the Kandy city limits, and those with special needs who need to stay for the night, can go to either the Keppetipola or Vivekanandha Colleges in Kandy,” he said.
The public has been called upon to avoid carrying unnecessary baggage and switch off their mobile phones at the point of the final security check. Three counters have been set up for the public to keep their bags and footwear. Kandy Municipal Council Commissioner Indika Kumari Abeysinghe said that all dansalas and street vendors in the area are being registered. “Dansal organisers have been called upon to register via our website.
As of now, we have received over 180 applications and have given approval for 91. Those will be checked by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs). The street vendors have been issued identity cards with a QR code, and any unregistered street vendor will be removed by the Police,” she added.
Superintendent of Police D. C. D. Ilangakoon said there will be a special traffic plan and security arrangements throughout the event. Those travelling to Kandy for other purposes during the period should be aware of the traffic plans and restrictions, which will be published in all newspapers and television channels, he said.
