Posted by ONLANKA Information Desk on July 27, 2026 – 8:22 pm
Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara / AI-generated picture
All teams that carried out Kavadi dances on the Devinuwara Perahera in earlier years can be allowed to take part this yr, reversing an earlier determination to take away the occasion over intelligence warnings of potential gang violence and lack of life.
Public Safety Minister Ananda Wijepala introduced the choice following a particular assembly held on the Matara District Secretariat this afternoon (July 27).
The assembly was chaired by Minister Wijepala and attended by Public Safety Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, Inspector Basic of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakaratne and different events linked to the Perahera.
The dialogue was held after issues arose over a reported dispute between teams linked to organised criminals relating to the collection of Kavadi teams for the 769th annual Esala Maha Perahera of the historic Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara.
The Kavadi dance is scheduled to be held as a part of the sixth Perahera on July 28, 2026.
Police Had Beneficial Eradicating Kavadi Occasion
IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya had earlier despatched an official letter to the Matara District Secretary recommending the short-term removing of the Kavadi dance occasion.
The letter, dated July 25, was primarily based on intelligence assessments supplied by the Chief of Nationwide Intelligence, the State Intelligence Service, the Police Particular Job Drive and the Senior Deputy Inspector Basic of Police accountable for the Southern Province.
In line with the intelligence stories, a critical dispute had developed between teams linked to organised criminals referred to as “Dehi Bale Malli” and “Unakuruwe Shantha” over the Kavadi teams chosen for this yr’s Perahera.
The dispute reportedly started after a number of teams had been faraway from final yr’s Perahera over allegations of undisciplined behaviour.
The IGP warned that followers of organised crime gangs may be part of the Kavadi teams, resulting in a violent conflict and potential lack of life.
Intelligence had additionally indicated the potential for a risk being carried out utilizing drones whereas the Kavadi dance was happening.
Primarily based on the IGP’s advice, District Secretary Chandana Thilakaratne had knowledgeable the Basnayake Nilame to take away the Kavadi dance merchandise from the July 28 Perahera.
Threatening Audio Recordings
The matter gained widespread consideration after an audio recording allegedly issued within the identify of overseas-based underworld determine Kanjipani Imran circulated via mainstream and social media.
Within the recording, threats had been reportedly made demanding that a number of Kavadi teams faraway from final yr’s Perahera be allowed to take part this yr.
Demise threats had been additionally allegedly directed at Devinuwara Basnayake Nilame Arachchige Thilina Madhusanka, who’s main the Perahera.
One other underworld determine referred to as Dehi Bale Malli later launched an audio recording opposing the demand.
Safety issues elevated additional after a taking pictures was reported at a home close to the Devalaya on July 21.
Basnayake Nilame Agreed to Registered Teams
Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madhusanka issued a press release yesterday afternoon (July 26), saying he had no objection to together with Kavadi dances within the sixth Perahera.
Nevertheless, he mentioned solely the 25 registered teams can be permitted to carry out.
Sri Lanka Police additionally held a media briefing this afternoon on the safety scenario and the sooner advice to take away the Kavadi occasion.
The particular assembly on the Matara District Secretariat was subsequently held to achieve a last determination, with authorities deciding to permit all teams that had carried out Kavadi dances on the Perahera in earlier years to take part once more this yr.
