Sri Lankan police have unveiled a comprehensive security and traffic management plan for the upcoming Kandy Esala Perahera festival, deploying over 8,000 personnel and implementing special measures across the city.
The police department has announced detailed arrangements to manage security and traffic during the 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural events. The Kumbal Perahera procession will run from August 18 to 22, followed by the Randoli Perahera from August 23 to 27, with security measures covering the entire festival period.
A substantial security force has been mobilized for the event, comprising 6,200 police personnel, 564 members of the Police Special Task Force, 1,200 tri-forces personnel, and 29 Civil Security Department staff. The deployment will also include the Police Kennels Division to support operations throughout the Perahera celebrations.
To enhance crowd management and safety, authorities will establish roadblocks at 14 entry points to Kandy city, conducting vehicle and individual inspections while providing guidance to tourists. The security operations will encompass traffic regulation, crowd direction, and coordination across multiple agencies during the festival period.
For logistical support, police have designated 13 parking facilities specifically for Perahera attendees, with six areas reserved for light vehicles and seven for heavy vehicles. Recognizing potential congestion, authorities have also identified alternative routes for motorists seeking to bypass Kandy during the festival, requesting public cooperation with these traffic arrangements to ensure smooth movement throughout the city.
