Sri Lanka Police have implemented a special security and traffic plan in Kandy for the fourth Kumbal Perahera of the historic 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera, scheduled for Friday, August 21.
The Kandy Esala Perahera, which commenced on August 18, will continue until August 28. The special arrangements include roadblocks, security deployments, vehicle and pedestrian checks, tourist assistance and designated vehicle parking facilities.
The fourth Kumbal Perahera is scheduled to begin from the Sri Dalada Maligawa at the auspicious time of 6:40 p.m. on August 21. The procession will travel along Dalada Veediya, Katugodalla Veediya and Raja Veediya before returning to the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
According to Police, the procession route covers approximately 1.27 kilometres.
Alternative Routes
Police have announced several alternative routes to ease traffic congestion in and around Kandy during the procession.
Heavy vehicles travelling from Katugastota towards Kandy can proceed from Mahaiyawa Junction via Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha to Police Junction before entering Kandy city.
Light vehicles travelling from Katugastota can use D.S. Senanayake Street, cross over to Yatinuwara Street, turn right near the Meera Maccam Mosque and continue along Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.
Vehicles leaving Kandy towards Katugastota can travel towards Mahaiyawa via Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.
Motorists travelling from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya can enter Kandy from the Rajapihilla Mawatha Junction via Church Road.
Vehicles travelling from Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha can turn right, while vehicles approaching from Bogambara Railway Station can turn left. Vehicles travelling from Colombo Road can also turn right.
Traffic travelling from Kandy towards Ampitiya and Teldeniya can proceed from the Clock Tower Roundabout via Dalada Street, pass the Joy Boat Service near the side entrance of the Queen Hotel and continue along Sangaraja Mawatha.
Motorists can also use Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Wales Park Junction and Sangaraja Mawatha when travelling towards Ampitiya and Tennekumbura.
Meanwhile, William Gopallawa Mawatha and Old Peradeniya Road will remain available for vehicles entering Kandy from Colombo and those travelling from Kandy towards Colombo.
Police have urged motorists and pedestrians to cooperate with officers deployed along the procession route and to use the designated alternative routes and parking arrangements while the special traffic measures remain in effect.
