Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued a written recommendation to remove the Kavadi dance performance from this year’s 769th annual Esala Maha Perahera of the historic Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya.
The recommendation has been forwarded to the Matara District Secretary after considering intelligence assessments provided by national intelligence and security agencies.
Accordingly, the District Secretary has informed the Basnayake Nilame of the Devinuwara Devalaya in writing to remove the Kavadi dance performance from the procession.
According to intelligence reports, tensions have emerged among organised criminal groups in connection with Kavadi groups, raising concerns that the situation could pose a serious threat to public safety on the day of the procession.
The decision has reportedly been taken as a precautionary measure to prevent any violent incident, as large crowds, including local and foreign tourists, are expected to attend the Perahera.
The IGP has also reportedly instructed officials to take steps to obtain a court order, if necessary, to ensure public order and security.
