The first Kumbal Perahera of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera will take to the streets tomorrow night (18), with the Sri Lanka Police implementing a special security and traffic management plan for the event.

The 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to take place from August 18 to August 28.

Police said special arrangements have been made to deploy roadblocks and security personnel, conduct vehicle and personal checks, provide guidance to tourists and manage vehicle parking throughout the Perahera period.

First Kumbal Perahera Route

The first Kumbal Perahera is scheduled to begin at 6:52 p.m. tomorrow from the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

It will proceed along Dalada Veediya, Colombo Street, Yatinuwara Veediya and Raja Veediya before returning to the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Alternative Routes During Perahera

Police have introduced alternative routes for vehicles while the procession is on the streets.

Heavy vehicles travelling from Katugastota towards Kandy can use Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha via Mahaiyawa Junction and Police Junction to enter Kandy.

Light vehicles arriving from Katugastota can travel along D.S. Senanayake Street, enter Yatinuwara Street via Cross Street, turn left near the Meera Maccam Mosque and proceed along Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.

Vehicles travelling towards Katugastota can also use Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha from Police Junction towards Mahaiyawa.

Vehicles arriving from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya can travel via Sangaraja Mawatha to Wales Park Junction, then proceed along Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha towards Bogambara and Kandy Railway Station.

Vehicles can also enter Kandy via Mosque Road from Rajapihilla Mawatha Junction.

Routes Towards Ampitiya and Teldeniya

Vehicles travelling from Kandy towards Ampitiya and Teldeniya can proceed from the Clock Tower roundabout along Dalada Veediya, pass the side entrance of the Queen's Hotel and continue past the Joy Boat service onto Sangaraja Mawatha.

Vehicles can also travel from Bogambara Roundabout via Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Rajapihilla Mawatha and Wales Park Junction before continuing along Sangaraja Mawatha towards Ampitiya and Tennekumbura.

Police said William Gopallawa Mawatha and the Old Peradeniya Road can be used in both directions for vehicles travelling between Colombo and Kandy.

Police have urged motorists and members of the public travelling to Kandy during the Perahera period to follow the designated traffic arrangements and cooperate with officers deployed for traffic control and security.