Arrangements near completion for sacred tooth relic exposition in Kandy

10,000 security personnel deployed for the exposition, with strict checks and sniffer dogs to ensure safety

35,000 devotees to be served daily from April 18-27, with provisions for meals and sanitary facilities in place

By Shane Seneviratne   

All arrangements for the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic tomorrow are nearing completion. Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Kandy Municipal Council, the police, security forces, and other government establishments have organized the grand ceremony, which is being held this year after a long interval of 16 years.   

SSP of Kandy Division Anuruddha Bandaranayake said that 10,000 police and security personnel would be deployed to provide protection during the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic. He mentioned that all devotees entering Sri Dalada Maligawa would be subject to strict security checks at two checkpoints, and that 50 sniffer dogs from the Police Kennel Division would be deployed to assist officers, particularly to detect explosives, if any, within the precincts of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.   

Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela said arrangements had been made to provide meals to 35,000 devotees daily from April 18 to 27.   

Meanwhile, Kandy Municipal Commissioner Indika Kumari Abeysinghe stated that arrangements to provide common amenities and sanitary facilities for the pilgrims were complete and that pavement hawkers had been instructed to leave by this afternoon. She said steps would be taken to remove any hawkers who ignored the request.   

The SSP requested that devotees bring only their basic needs for the pilgrimage and leave their bags, without cash or valuables, at designated locations. He also mentioned that taking photos or videos inside the Sri Dalada Maligawa would not be permitted.