Photographic masterpiece on Kandy Esala Perahera launched in US

Washington DC: ‘Sri Lanka and the Kandy Esala Perahera,’ a photographic masterpiece by renowned photographer Michael Sarnacki was ceremonially launched in Washington DC this week. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC sponsored the event as part of its robust program to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in the United States.

The book is the product of Sarnacki’s 15 year long photographic journeys to Sri Lanka during which he had extensively researched a centuries old religious festival – the Kandy Esala Perahera. “Discovering the Spirit of Buddha in the Land of Elephants,” as Sarnacki describes his book, is a comprehensive photographic coverage of the sacred event from its history to the full conduct at present.

The maiden copy of the book was presented to Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara at the Embassy of Sri Lanka just before its launch.

The Nayaka Thero stated that he found the book to be very complete in its content and called it an honour to all Sri Lankans.    

The launch and signing of the book was held at the Sri Lankan Residence in Washington DC during a reception organised in honour of Sarnacki. A copy of the book was presented to Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Wickramasuriya said that the book may be the only such publication about the grand religious festival and one of the world’s most colorful cultural pageants.    

“I believe Michael’s brilliant photographic journalism on each and every aspect of the truly remarkable spiritual celebration of Esala Perahera provides a fascinating story about cultural heritage of Sri Lanka,” he stated.          

He further highlighted that the book offers some interesting behind the scenes perspectives of the Kandy Esala Perahera which are unknown even to ordinary Sri Lankans. He thanked Sarnacki for his contribution to promote Sri Lanka’s culture and said that the book would become a catalyst to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya concluded his speech openly inviting all present in the audience to visit Sri Lanka.

Also speaking at the occasion, Sarnacki said his project was always about creating awareness of the richness of Sri Lankan culture and the warmth and kindness of its people.

“I can tell you it is filled with wonderful people who are gracious… and I am anxious to go back.”

He pointed out that his aim was to create a first class book befitting one of the world’s greatest events.

“It is done with a world-class attitude much like the Perahera itself,” he said and invited all to visit Sri Lanka to witness the great event.

The 272 page large hardcover book contains over 300 high quality photographs and rich content referring to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, the Temple of the Tooth, and associated customs that have stood the test of the time.    

The venue was packed with book enthusiasts, US officials, travel writers, journalists, corporate leaders, members of Sri Lankan associations and other guests from Washington.

For more details of the book, visit www.srilankafestival.com