The Perahera will commence at 8 pm with the handing over of the relic casket to Chief Basnayake Nilame, Dhammika Attygalle by the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara, Ven Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera.

This year the Perahera is organised under the guidance of the President of the Dayaka Sabha, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.A special enclosure will be there for tourists to view the perahera in association with Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

The historic Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera had its origins in 1927, largely due to the efforts of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani.