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 and the Kandyan Kingdom.

The programme also included visits to the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens where the delegation received a briefing on its significance, as well as the Ceylon Tea Museum, Hanthana, where they were introduced to the history and heritage of Ceylon Tea.

The visit was organized as part of the Ministry’s continuing efforts at engaging the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Sri Lanka in the promotion of Sri Lanka’s culture and tourism. By providing foreign representatives with first-hand exposure to the country’s religious traditions, cultural heritage, cuisine and tourist attractions, the programme sought to further enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility as a destination with a unique and diverse cultural identity.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism

Colombo 

02 September 2026