Security strengthened for kandy Perahera

Indika Polkotuwa and Sanjaya Maturata

KANDY: Security has been strengthened in Kandy during the historic Esala Perahera season with the deployment of a 7000 strong police contingent, said Central Province DIG Nimal Mediwaka.

Under this scheme vehicles and people entering the city will be subjected to strict security checks, DIG Mediwaka said at a press conference held at Kandy Queens Hotel yesterday.

He said the sacred area around Sri Dalada Maligawa will be declared a high security zone from the first day of the Kumbal Perahera on August 19 to the conclusion of the Pageant on August 29.

A special traffic plan will be in operation during Perahera time and traffic from Colombo to Kandy will be diverted along Mulgampola road and traffic leaving Kandy will be directed along William Gopallawa Mawatha, parking will be prohibited along the Perahera route from 1 pm daily and vehicles will be prohibited from entering the city one hour before the commencement of the perahera each day.

ASP (Traffic) Sisira Weerakoon and Kandy Traffic OIC Inspector Ajith Dharmapala also attended the press conference.