Police will impose temporary traffic restrictions on several roads in the Boralesgamuwa Police Division from August 13 to 15 for the annual Esala Maha Perahera of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.
Motorists have been advised to use designated alternative routes during the three procession nights to avoid delays.
Pawada Perahera — August 13
The Pawada Perahera runs from 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. on August 13. Traffic on the 119 Maharagama–Dehiwala bus route will be restricted between Boralesgamuwa Town and Bellanthara Junction.
Motorists travelling from Maharagama or Piliyandala towards Dehiwala can route via Pepiliyana Junction and the Spar Roundabout towards Bellanthara, continuing to Dehiwala through Nedimala.
An alternative link between Boralesgamuwa and Galle Road is available via Gangaramaya Road, running from Werahera Junction to Golumadama Junction.
Ransivili Perahera — August 14
The Ransivili Perahera begins at 8.00 p.m. on August 14 and continues until about 2.00 a.m. on August 15. Traffic on the 119 route between Boralesgamuwa Junction and Bellanthara Junction will again be restricted as the procession moves towards Bellanthara Junction before returning via Somaratne Mawatha and Vihara Mawatha.
Vehicles travelling from Dehiwala towards Maharagama can turn at Bellanthara Junction and use Route 117 to reach Pepiliyana Junction before continuing towards Boralesgamuwa.
Heavy vehicles heading towards Dehiwala can use the Piliyandala–Katubedda route to reach Galle Road. Light vehicles travelling from Maharagama towards Dehiwala can use Malani Bulathsinhala Road, Pitawella Road and Kahawita Mawatha to join Route 117.
Randoli Maha Perahera — August 15
The Randoli Maha Perahera, the final and largest of the three processions, begins at 8.00 p.m. on August 15 and concludes at about 4.00 a.m. on August 16.
The Bellanwila perahera precedes the Kandy Esala Perahera, which runs from August 18 to 27.
Sources: Traffic restrictions announced for Bellanwila Esala Perahera — Ada Derana, August 12; Passing through Boralesgamuwa? Check the traffic plan — Daily Mirror, August 12; Bellanwila Esala Perahera begins: special traffic plan — Hiru News, August 12.
