The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasooriya, has submitted an official written recommendation to the Matara District Secretary requesting the temporary removal of the Kavadi dance segment from the 769th Annual Esala Perahera of the Historic Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara, scheduled for 28 July, according to the Police Media Spokesperson.
In a letter dated 25 July, the IGP stated that the recommendation was made after considering intelligence assessments provided by the National Intelligence Chief, the State Intelligence Service, the Police Special Task Force, and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Southern Province.
Acting on the recommendation, Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakarathna has informed the Basnayake Nilame of the Devinuwara Devalaya, Arachchige Thilina Madhushanka, to take the necessary steps to remove the Kavadi dance performance from the procession scheduled for 28 July.
According to intelligence reports, tensions have escalated over the selection of Kavadi dance groups for this year's procession. Authorities say a dispute has arisen between factions allegedly linked to organised crime figures known as "Dehi Baale Malli" and "Unakuruwe Shantha." The situation reportedly intensified after several Kavadi groups that were accused of disciplinary misconduct during last year's procession were excluded from this year's event.
The decision also comes amid reports that an audio recording, allegedly featuring underworld figure "Kanjipani Imran," who is believed to be overseas, circulated on social media. In the recording, he is alleged to have threatened disruptions to the procession if groups affiliated with his faction were not permitted to participate and is also accused of issuing death threats against the Basnayake Nilame leading the event.
In response, another individual identified as "Dehi Baale Malli" is also reported to have released threatening audio messages. These recordings have since been widely circulated across mainstream and social media platforms.
Authorities say the temporary removal of the Kavadi dance segment is intended to ensure public safety and maintain order during the annual religious procession.
