The Media Mission of the Kandy Esala Perahera.

Upholding the Sacred, Broadcasting to the World

The Media Bureau of the Sri Dalada Maligawa is the official body entrusted with managing, protecting, and promoting all media missions related to the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the most sacred and historic Buddhist cultural festivals in the world. Established with the blessing and guidance of the Most Ven. Maha Nayaka Theros of the Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters and the Hon. Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Media Bureau plays a pivotal role in delivering the spiritual, cultural, and aesthetic grandeur of the Perahera (Procession) to the global audiences while safeguarding its authenticity and sanctity.

Upholding the Sacred, Broadcasting to the World

To ensure that the sacred traditions of the Kandy Esala Perahera are preserved, respectfully presented, and powerfully communicated through modern media—across Sri Lanka and to the global Buddhist community.

Key Functions of the Media Bureau.
1. Media Access & Accreditation

The Media Bureau serves as the central coordinating body for all media coverage of the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival.

  • Coordinates with the government news department of Sri Lanka and festival authorities to ensure smooth, safe access to the Perahera coverage.
  • Issues official accreditation to local and international media personnel.
  • Manages photographic, video, and drone permits, ensuring that coverage adheres to the dignity of the event.
2. Live Broadcast Management

The Bureau supervises and facilitates the official live broadcasts of the Kandy Esala Perahera across local and international television and digital platforms.

  • Collaborates with national broadcasters such as Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Independent Television Network (ITN) and others.
  • Oversees camera placement, technical setup, broadcast engineering and production quality in accordance with tradition and religious guidelines.
  • Ensures the sacred rhythm and order of the Perahera are maintained throughout the broadcast.
3. Digital Media & Social Outreach

The Media Bureau manages the official digital platforms of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Kandy Esala Perahera.

  • Operates official YouTube, Facebook, X, Vimeo and Instagram accounts, providing live streaming, highlight videos, and event updates.
  • Engages the global Buddhist audience with culturally sensitive and spiritually uplifting content.
  • Provides more than 10 multi-language support to reach international audiences.
4. Cultural Integrity & Content Review

Every media product, content associated with the Kandy Esala Perahera is reviewed to ensure it upholds the values of the Buddhist tradition.

  • Deep reviews commentary scripts and audio-visual presentations.
  • Provides approved content and translations to broadcasters and collaborators.
  • Prevents commercial exploitation or misrepresentation of the festival.
5. Copyright & Intellectual Property Management

The Kandy Esala Perahera is a living heritage. The Media Bureau of Sri Dalada Maligawa holds and protects the broadcast rights and intellectual property of its all-audio and visual content.

  • Grants official permissions for usage of footage, photographs, and recordings.
  • Prevents and control unauthorized reproduction or monetization of sacred material.
  • Maintains strict ethical standards regarding content re-distribution.
6. Digital Archiving & Historical Preservation

The Media Bureau is responsible for preserving the photographs audio and visual history of the Perahera.

  • Maintains a digital archive of past Peraheras, including live broadcasts, documentaries, interviews, photographs and official footage.
  • Supports educational, cultural, and religious research with carefully catalogued and preserved media resources.
7. Support for International Media & Diplomacy

The Media Bureau extends its services to international journalists, media organizations, and diplomatic visitors.

  • Assists with official filming arrangements, translation services, and religious protocol.
  • Facilitates the global portrayal of the Perahera as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s spiritual and cultural identity.
A Bridge Between Heritage and Technology

Through its work, the Media Bureau of the Sri Dalada Maligawa ensures that the timeless traditions of the Kandy Esala Perahera are experienced in their true form by millions of viewers around the world live, in high quality and with the reverence they deserve.

Whether through a TV broadcast watched in a rural village or a livestream tuned in by a Buddhist or non-Buddhist family in globally, the Media Bureau ensures that every image, every drum beat, and every sacred step of the Perahera reaches hearts with authenticity and grace.

Contact the Media Bureau

The Media Bureau,

Sri Dalada Maligawa,
Kandy, Sri Lanka.

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Email: media@sridaladamaligawa.lk

Phone: +94 81 220 5839
Website: www.kandyesalaperahera.com