Esala Maha Perahera :

Kandy expects unprecedented crowds

Asela KURULUWANSA

The number of visitors to Kandy during the Esala Perahera season is expected to increase by over 50 percent this year due to the peaceful situation in the country. Kandy police have prepared a special security program to ensure security of the perahera and the people.

On the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, IGP Mahinda Balasuriya has appointed six DIGs in charge of different sectors of the program. The six sectors are traffic, road safety, public surveillance, welfare and special investigations. This is the first time such a multi-sectoral security program will be implemented for the perahera season.

Before 2 p.m. all vehicles will have to leave streets through which the perahera would proceed. No vehicles will be allowed to enter these streets after 3.30 p.m. when the police will take over the perahera route.

During the perahera days alternative routes have been introduced for vehicles to reach Katugastota, Tennekumbura and Peradeniya bypassing the Kandy city. The Gannoruwa road could be used for vehicles plying between Peradeniya and Katugastota.

Those proceeding towards Tennekumbura could proceed along the road opposite the Bogambara prison and Mahaiyawa-Lewella road.

Passenger transport buses will be parked at Wewelpitiya ground and bus stands at Red Culvert, Clock Tower, Goodshed and Bogambara. Light vehicles could be parked along Sumangala Mawatha, Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha, Dodanwela, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Courts road, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha and in the Kandy vehicle park.

The police request the public to assist them by coming early to the city.