Police arrested several members of Kavadi dance groups for alleged narcotics possession during a security operation ahead of the annual Devinuwara temple procession, which proceeded as scheduled despite recent tensions and an initial recommendation to suspend the groups.

Several members of Kavadi dance groups were arrested for allegedly possessing narcotics during a special police operation conducted on the morning of the procession at the Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya. The arrests were made as security forces conducted inspections of all Kavadi groups participating in the annual event.

The heightened security presence reflected ongoing tensions surrounding the inclusion of these dance groups in the procession. A dispute between two underworld gang leaders had recently escalated into a shooting incident targeting a house near the temple. In response, the Acting Inspector General of Police recommended on July 26 that Kavadi dance groups be temporarily suspended from participating in this year's procession.

However, following a high-level discussion held on July 27 at the Matara District Secretariat, officials made a different decision. Attendees included the Minister of Public Security, the Ministry Secretary, the Acting IGP, and other senior representatives. The consensus was to permit all Kavadi groups that had performed in previous years to participate. Approximately 1,500 security personnel were deployed to oversee the procession, which commenced at 2:00 p.m. as scheduled.