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Authorities geared for today's final Randoli Perahera

by S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy South group correspondent

The fourth Randoli Perahera of the Kandy Esala Maha Perahera drew a very large crowd which was easily the largest so far this year. A very large number of foreign tourists too were seen among them.

Crowds which came into the hill capital in both private and public transport lined up along the routes of the perahera from the morning onwards. Some of them said that they had been waiting to see this spectacular pageant for over 10 hours in one spot and it was worth seeing.

Both the peoplised transport services and the private coach operators operated a service before and after the perahera. There was a special train to Colombo after the perahera and likewise operated special train services to Nawalapitiya and Matale before and after the perahera.

The authorities have made special arrangements to re-locate the bus stands temporarily for the crowds after the perahera. Buses coming from the Teldeniya side will terminate at Buwelikada Junction and buses to Digana, Teldeniya, Hanguranketha, Haragama and Menikhinna will start from Buwelikada after the perahera is concluded.

Buses for the routes on the Ampitiya side will terminate at the Rathu Bokku junction near the Children's Park and will start from here after the perahera. Buses coming from the Katugastota side will terminate at Mahaiyawa near the Wewalpitiya grounds and start after the perahera is concluded from this point. But during the day and till late in the afternoon the normal operations will be carried out at the usual bus stands.

The police once again maintained tight security and they did not take chances. All persons were physically checked before being allowed into the route of the perahera. The Health Department of the Kandy Municipal Council came down hard on those trying to sell food items under unhygienic conditions and confiscated them. Thus compelling to adhere to the health regulations.

Today, Monday being the final Randoli perahera which is most glamourous, a very large crowd is expected but the authorities are confident that they could meet any situation as they are geared for them through planning.

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