1. Sulunapahura Raja Maha Viharaya, Matale 2. Muikirigala Raja Maha Viharaya, Matara 3. Nuwarakanda Raja Maha Viharaya, Wariyapola 4. Sri Niruthylankara Raja Maha Viharaya, Kurunegala

To coincide with the Kandy Esala Perahara, DSI a leading footwear company have organised a photographic exhibition of over 400 photographs of selected Raja Maha Viharas (Temples built during the times of the ancient Kings of Ceylon) at the Kandy Buddhist Centre, Senkadagala Eksath Bauddha Mandalaya, No. 2 Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy.

This event is being carried out under the auspices of the Sri Dalada Maligawa with the Diyawadana Nilame Mr. Neranjan Wijeyeratne himself taking a key interest in the organisation of same. This unique collection of photographs taken over a period of 8 years for DSI by veteran photographer Mr. K. J. Abeyratne, formally of Times of Ceylon & Studio Times, will be on display from the 18th to the 24th July 2002, between 10.00am and 6.00pm daily.

Every Poya day over the last 8 years or so, DSI have brought into focus a Raja Maha Vihara both for the education of readers and with the objective of encouraging pilgrims to visit and help these uniquely valuable heritage sites of ancient Sri Lanka.

As there was no proper listing or record of these temples, Ribbs N & L - the advertising agency entrusted with the research, photography and publication of these temples, had to obtain the help of various government officials, the villagers and certain temples to obtain the whereabouts of most of these historical sites. Some of these temples which are 800 to 900 years old do not have the financial resources to maintain these valuable & priceless murals, frescoes, sculptures and artifacts.

Additionally, with a view to helping some of these temples restore and protect these items, a collection of colourful picture post cards representing some of these temples will be on sale at the exhibition hall for a minimum fee of only Rs 10 each.

This unique exhibition held for the first time in Sri Lanka, will assist those thousands of people who will flock the city of Kandy during this Perahara period to get first hand information on these temples. Thereafter, it is hoped by the organizers DSI that people will visit these places and their offerings and support would help sustain them. Colourful posters and material have also been positioned at leading hotels and guest houses with the hope of informing tourists about this event. To encourage maximum participation, entrance to the venue is free of charge.