• Directive follows intelligence warnings over underworld-linked security threats

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has, following multiple intelligence assessments, recommended that the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya remove the traditional Kavadi dance from this year's Esala Perahera over serious security concerns.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (26), Police Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F U Wootler said that the recommendation had been made by the IGP after considering intelligence assessments submitted by the Chief of National Intelligence, the State Intelligence Service, the Police Special Branch and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Southern Province. "The recommendation was made by the IGP in accordance with powers vested in him under the Pilgrimages Ordinance No. 13 of 1896, which allows authorities to take measures in the interest of public safety where there are security concerns," Wootler said.

He noted that the Devinuwara Esala Perahera attracts large numbers of both local and foreign tourists each year and warned that any major security incident linked to organised crime could seriously damage Sri Lanka's international image while adversely affecting the tourism industry.

Accordingly, the IGP has recommended removing the Kavadi dance from this year's procession and advised that a court order be obtained, if necessary, to implement the decision.

It was also reported that in a letter dated 26 July 2026, Matara District Secretary Thilakaratne informed Basnayake Nilame of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, Thilina Madushanka Abeyrathna that the Kavadi dance scheduled to be held tomorrow (28) should be removed from the 769th annual Esala Perahera. 

According to the intelligence reports, a serious dispute has emerged over the selection of this year's Kavadi dance groups, involving factions linked to organised criminals known as Dehi Bale Malli and Unakuruwe Shantha.

The reports stated that tensions escalated after several Kavadi groups that had allegedly behaved in a disorderly manner during last year's Perahera were excluded from this year's event.

Intelligence authorities have also reported that underworld figure "Kanjipani Imran", who is believed to be overseas, allegedly threatened via WhatsApp that 10 people would be killed and that the Basnayake Nilame would also be targeted if groups affiliated with his side were not allowed to participate in the procession.

In response, Dehi Bale Malli is also said to have released threatening voice recordings, which were later circulated through mainstream and social media platforms.

Authorities expect around 40,000 devotees and visitors to attend tomorrow's Kavadi procession. Intelligence agencies have warned that supporters of organised criminal groups could be among those attending, increasing the risk of violent clashes.

The reports further warned that any confrontation, or even an attack using drones, could result in significant loss of life and trigger widespread public disorder.

Police have also pointed out that although the Devinuwara Esala Perahera has a history spanning 769 years, the Kavadi dance became part of the procession only around 40 years ago and is not regarded as one of its original cultural elements.

According to police, around 80 per cent of those participating in the Kavadi dance in recent years had allegedly consumed alcohol or narcotics and behaved in an inappropriate manner, drawing strong public criticism.

Sources familiar with the matter previously told The Daily Morning that responsibility for organising the Kavadi dance had allegedly been handed over by the Basnayake Nilame to an outside group, leading to a dispute between rival factions claiming the right to perform. The sources alleged that organised criminal elements had subsequently become involved in the dispute, creating a serious security risk.