CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA 
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Kandy perahera tickets sold at exorbitant prices
Colombo, July 16 (Daily Mirror) - Alarming reports have surfaced that tickets for viewing the Kandy Esala Perahera are being sold at exorbitant prices ranging between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 65,000, prompting concerns from local authorities.
Speaking at a special meeting on tourism development held at the Central Provincial Governor’s Office yesterday (14), Kandy Mayor Chandrasiri Wijenayake warned that unless a proper regulatory mechanism is introduced, the price for a single seat at the final Randoli Perahera could skyrocket to Rs. 100,000.
Mayor Wijenayake revealed that only a limited number of viewing seats are officially sold through the Kandy Municipal Council via the Kandy Queen Hotel corridor, priced at Rs. 12,000, Rs. 15,000, and Rs. 18,000. These are made available online, but the lack of restrictions on bulk purchasing has led to a troubling secondary market.
“Some individuals are buying over 100 tickets online and reselling them at extremely high prices. There is no regulation, no price control, and no limit on purchases,” the Mayor said.
He further disclosed that various commercial spaces in Kandy city are leased out ahead of the Perahera season for amounts ranging from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million, and are then used by individuals or groups to sell tickets at inflated prices. These proceeds are later divided among several brokers.
“This has now turned into a seat mafia. A few individuals are manipulating the system daily, exploiting the sacred cultural event for massive profits,” he added.
The Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the most significant religious and cultural festivals in Sri Lanka, draws thousands of local and international spectators each year. With increasing demand for prime viewing spots, the call for a fair and regulated ticketing system has grown urgent.
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