Navam Maha Perahera lights up Colombo

Monday, 2 February 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The 48th Annual Navam Maha Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple took place in Colombo over two days, drawing large crowds as illuminated elephants, traditional dancers, and

drummers moved through the city streets in one of the capital’s most prominent Buddhist processions. The first night of the Perahera, held on 31 January, was conducted under the patronage of

Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural

Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and was attended by former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena,

Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The second and last night of the Perahera concluded yesterday, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini

Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi in attendance, along with Janatha Vimukthi\ Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva and Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.

– Pix by Upul Abayasekara and Ruwan Walpola