The development work had been completed to coincide with the Esala Perahera of the Walukarama Temple in Kollupitiya.The 56th annual Esala Maha Perahera of the Kollupitiya Walukarama Viharaya paraded the streets last night. Prime Minister Wickremasinghe and the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, Ports and Shipping and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayake placed the sacred casket of relics on the elephant.
The Prime Minister also commissioned the newly constructed Uposathagaraya, Gateway, Se Maluwa (courtyard) and the new Bodhi Ghara around Bodhi Tree. The Premier also planted a new Bodhi tree sapling in place of the old tree.Under the guidance of the Prime Minister the Central Cultural Fund contributed towards the development of the temple. The support of the Bambalapitiya Kadirashan Kovil is also a significant feature of this project.
Many of the Buddha statues in the 93-year old temple have been restored with the help of the temple trustees.Maha Sangha, Ministers Sagala Ratnayake, Daya Gamage, State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, MP AHM Fowzie and temple trustees were present.