Police recommend removing Kavadi dance from Devinuwara Perahera over security concerns

Colombo, July 26 (Daily Mirror) - Police have recommended removing the traditional Kavadi dance performance from the upcoming procession of the historic Sri Utpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara, citing security concerns.

The procession, featuring the Kavadi dance segment, is scheduled to be held on July 28 as part of the annual Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya Perahera, which is currently underway.

The recommendation was issued by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya and formally communicated to the Basnayake Nilame of the Devalaya today (26) by Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakarathna.

The decision follows intelligence assessments conducted by the Chief of National Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence, the National Intelligence Service and the Police Special Bureau.

According to the intelligence reports, authorities had received information indicating the possibility of a dispute or controversial situation arising between the event organisers and the dancers.

In a written notification to the Matara District Secretary, the IGP strongly recommended that the Kavadi dance segment be excluded from the procession scheduled for July 28 in the interest of public safety.

Acting on the directive, the District Secretary informed the Basnayake Nilame of the Devalaya today and requested that the recommended measure be implemented.