A special discussion was held yesterday at the Matara District Secretariat under the leadership of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala to make a final decision on whether the Kavadi procession should be held, amid growing public discussion over the event in recent days.
Following the meeting, Minister Wijepala stated that permission had been granted for all Kavadi dance groups that participated last year to take part in this year’s procession as well.
Authorities have also decided to deploy additional security personnel to ensure the safety of the procession.
The issue attracted widespread attention after reports emerged that organised criminal figure Kanjipani Imran had allegedly threatened Devinuwara Devale’s Basnayake Nilame, Thilina Madhusanka, over a decision to reduce the number of Kavadi dance groups participating in the procession.
Considering intelligence reports, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya had earlier recommended to Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakarathne that the Kavadi dance procession scheduled for the historic Devinuwara Sri Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya be temporarily cancelled.
In response, Basnayake Nilame Thilina Madhusanka expressed his willingness to allow all Kavadi dance groups to participate and issued a statement on social media supporting their inclusion in the procession.
Following yesterday’s discussions, Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the Kavadi procession will proceed as planned tonight, with necessary measures in place to ensure public safety during the annual Esala Perahera.
