Kavadi dances allowed at Devinuwara Perahera despite earlier police concerns

Colombo, July 27 (Daily Mirror) - Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has granted permission for all 45 Kavadi dance troupes that participated in last year’s procession to take part in this year’s Devinuwara Esala Perahera.

The decision comes after police had earlier recommended removing the traditional Kavadi dance performances from the procession due to security concerns.

The decision was finalized during a special discussion held this afternoon (27) at the Matara District Secretariat.

The meeting was chaired by Minister Ananda Wijepala and attended by Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya, Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakarathne and other officials.

Meanwhile, additional personnel from the Sri Lanka Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF) will be deployed to strengthen security for the procession, which is scheduled to be held tomorrow (28).