News and Event

The second meeting regarding the organization of the 2026 annual Esala Festival at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya was successfully held on July 1, 2026, under the chairmanship of the District Secretary. The Kataragama Divisional Secretary informed all concerned that the final meeting is scheduled to take place on July 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

A large gathering participated in this event, including the Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Rajamaha Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero, and other members of the Maha Sangha; the Basnayake Nilame and staff of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya; Monaragala District Secretary Mr. A.P. Nishantha (serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the Kataragama Esala Festival camps); Kataragama Divisional Secretary Mr. K. Prageeth Kulathilaka; as well as other government officials and representatives of civil society organizations.