Esala Perahera sees significant drop in visitors after 3yr hiatus

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Kandy Esala Perahera 2022 is open to the general public after three years, however has witnessed a significant drop in visitors this time around.

The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka's largest cultural festivals to be held since ancient times, and has attracted both local and international visitors throughout the years.

In August, Kandy is flooded with visitors who mainly come to visit the Kandy Esala Perahera, and they also tour many areas in the Hill Capital.

However, this time around the occupancy rate of many hotels in Kandy is less than 20%, while local industries in the area have experienced a decline of 80% - 90% in sales.

Vendors said that some shops in the area, all which depend on the Kandy Esala Perahera for their livelihood, have closed down.

Many professions depend on the Kandy Esala Perahera, and the drop in visitors had posed a direct impact on their lives.