Jan 06, Kelaniya: The annual "Duruthu" festival of the most sacred Kelaniya Temple is cancelled this year due to security reasons, the Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Temple Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sanga Rakkhitha thero said.

The Perahera organizing committee has decided to hold the procession only inside the temple premises tomorrow night.

According to the Chief Incumbent all other religious ceremonies of the festival are to be held inside the temple tomorrow.

The annual Perahera was scheduled to be held from January 7th through 9th.

Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera is the first Buddhist festival of the year in the country. It has been celebrated almost every year since 1927.