Authorities in Kandy have appealed to the public to avoid visiting the Sacred Tooth Relic until further notice, citing an overwhelming surge in devotees that has raised serious concerns over crowd management, public safety, and health.

Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte made the request during a special press briefing on Wednesday (24 April), warning that further arrivals could exacerbate an already critical situation.

The Sri Lanka Police had earlier issued a similar advisory on Tuesday (23 April), urging the public to avoid travelling to Kandy on 24 and 25 April for the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Police estimate that over 400,000 devotees are currently waiting in long queues to pay homage.

“With the number of devotees already present, those arriving in the coming days may not be able to carry out their veneration,” the police cautioned, adding that managing additional crowds would be extremely challenging.

The ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’ began on 18 April and has now entered its seventh day. The exposition is expected to continue until Sunday, 27 April.