A comprehensive security and traffic management plan has been implemented for the annual Esala Perahera of the historic Sri Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara, with 650 police officers and 100 Special Task Force (STF) personnel deployed for the event.

Police said intelligence officers have also been assigned to security duties.

The first procession of the annual Esala Perahera at the Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, located within the Gandara Police Division, will commence today (23) and conclude with the final grand procession on July 29.

According to police, the ‘Kavadi Perahera’ is scheduled to be held on July 28, while the Randoli Perahera, the final procession of the festival, will take place on July 29.

Police have warned that heavy traffic congestion is expected on the Colombo-Kataragama main road between 4.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. on those days and have requested motorists to use alternative routes.

Accordingly, vehicles travelling from Matara towards Tangalle are advised to enter the Matara-Yatiyana Road near the Meddawatta Technical College and proceed via Kekanadura Junction and Wehella Road to Dikwella.

Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Tangalle towards Matara are advised to turn near the Talalla Technical College and proceed along Naotunna Road to Wiyanaruwa Junction, then continue via the Dikwella-Wehella Road to Kekanadura Junction and finally to Matara via the Kekanadura-Matara Road.

Police said the special security arrangements have been implemented to ensure the safety of the public, protect property, and facilitate traffic management, as large crowds are expected to attend the annual procession from across the island.