The third Randoli Perahera of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to parade through the streets today (25), with the Sri Lanka Police implementing a special security and traffic management plan for the event.

The Kandy Esala Perahera, which commenced on August 18, will continue until August 28, 2026.

As part of the arrangements, police have deployed roadblocks and special security personnel, while vehicle and pedestrian checks, tourist assistance and designated parking arrangements are also being implemented.

Accordingly, a special traffic plan and alternative routes will be in effect within Kandy city during the Perahera.

Alternative routes

Under the special traffic plan, heavy vehicles travelling from Katugastota towards Kandy will be directed from the Mahaiyawa Junction along Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha towards the Police Junction and into Kandy.

Light vehicles arriving from the Katugastota direction can travel via the D.S. Senanayake Veediya, Cross Street and Yatinuwara Veediya, before turning right and then left near the Meera Maccam Mosque to proceed along Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha.

Vehicles travelling out of Kandy towards Katugastota can use Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha from the Police Junction towards Mahaiyawa.

Vehicles arriving from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya can travel along Sangaraja Mawatha to the Wales Park Junction, turn right onto Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha and proceed via Bogambara and the Railway Station area.

Police said vehicles travelling towards Colombo will be directed to the left, while those travelling towards Kandy city will use the right side.

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

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

Alternatively, vehicles can travel from the Bogambara Roundabout via Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Rajapihilla Mawatha and Wales Park Junction before proceeding along Sangaraja Mawatha towards Ampitiya and Tennekumbura.

Vehicles travelling between Colombo and Kandy can use William Gopallawa Mawatha and the Old Peradeniya Road in both directions.

The Police Media Division has also requested the public and motorists attending the Perahera to follow the designated traffic arrangements to ensure the smooth movement of traffic and the safety and convenience of spectators.