Sri Lanka, July 16 -- 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. Th...