Police have announced a special security and traffic plan for the 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera, deploying more than 7,900 personnel across the festival period.
The operation will involve 6,200 police officers, 564 Special Task Force personnel, 1,200 tri-forces personnel and 29 Civil Security Department officers. The Police Kennels Division, which handles tracker dogs, will also be deployed.
The pageant will be held under state patronage from August 18 to August 28. The Kumbal Perahera runs from August 18 to August 22, followed by the Randoli Perahera from August 23 to August 27. The final Randoli Perahera and the traditional water-cutting ceremony take place on August 28.
Roadblocks and parking
Security duties will include roadblocks covering 14 entry points into Kandy, along with inspections of vehicles and individuals and arrangements to guide visitors. Police said the deployment will run around the clock for the duration of the pageant.
Thirteen parking areas have been designated for those attending — six for light vehicles and seven for heavy vehicles.
Alternative routes
Police have advised motorists to bypass the Kandy city centre during the festival:
- Traffic from Katugastota towards Colombo or Nuwara Eliya should use the Katugastota Bridge and proceed along Polgolla Road towards Peradeniya.
- Traffic from Colombo heading to Kurunegala, Matale or Mahiyanganaya should use the Peradeniya–Polgolla Road towards Kurunegala or Matale, or travel via Madawala towards Mahiyanganaya.
- Traffic from Kandy towards Mahiyanganaya and Badulla should use Mahaiyawa Junction, Dharmashoka Mawatha and Thennekumbura.
Police asked the public and motorists to respect national cultural traditions, keep the area clean and cooperate with officers on security and traffic duties.
The announcement follows the Kap planting ceremony that traditionally marks the start of preparations for the pageant. The Central Province Governor has separately said this year’s procession must comply with the Animal Welfare Act in its use of elephants.
Update, August 17: plan takes effect tomorrow
The special traffic and security plan comes into force on Tuesday, August 18, and will remain in effect throughout the Perahera season, Police Media Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler said, according to Ada Derana.
Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta said all arrangements for the pageant have been completed and the city is ready to host it, NewsFirst reported, including facilities for the large numbers of spectators expected.
Police have set up a dedicated emergency hotline, 081 22 33 333, for members of the public attending the Perahera who need urgent assistance. Chief Inspector of Police Rasika Sampath can also be reached on 071 859 1045.
Police reiterated the alternative routes set out below for motorists travelling through the region during the Perahera period.
The deployment figures announced last week are unchanged: 6,200 police officers, 564 Special Task Force personnel, 1,200 tri-forces personnel and 29 Civil Security Department officers, with police canine units also in use. The Kumbal Perahera runs from August 18 to 22 and the Randoli Perahera from August 23 to 27, with the festival concluding on August 28.
First Kumbal Perahera at 6.52pm
The first Kumbal Perahera will leave the Sri Dalada Maligawa at 6.52pm on August 18, Ada Derana reported. It will proceed along Dalada Veediya, Colombo Street, Yatinuwara Veediya and Raja Veediya before returning to the temple.
Named parking facilities
Police have now identified the 13 designated parking areas, according to NewsFirst. Light vehicles can use the KMC car park, Karaliya car park, Ehelepola Kumarihami car park, Sahas Uyana car park, the Railway Station car park and a facility on Gannoruwa Road. Heavy vehicles can park at the Torrington bus stand, Bogambara bus stand, the Aluthgama Dharmananda Mawatha car park, the Clock Tower bus stand and the Rajapihilla lower parking area near the YMBA. Officers will be stationed at each site to direct visitors.
Diversions while the procession is on the streets
Ada Derana also set out routes for use while the pageant is under way, which differ from the general bypass advice above:
- Heavy vehicles from Katugastota can enter Kandy via Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha, through Mahaiyawa Junction and Police Junction.
- Light vehicles from Katugastota can take D.S. Senanayake Street, enter Yatinuwara Street via Cross Street, turn left near the Meera Maccam Mosque and continue on Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.
- Vehicles from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya can use Sangaraja Mawatha to Wales Park Junction, then Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha towards Bogambara and the railway station.
- Vehicles leaving Kandy for Ampitiya and Teldeniya can go from the Clock Tower roundabout along Dalada Veediya, past the Queen’s Hotel side entrance, onto Sangaraja Mawatha.
- William Gopallawa Mawatha and the Old Peradeniya Road remain open in both directions for Colombo–Kandy traffic.
The two outlets differ on one bypass detail: Ada Derana’s August 14 plan routed Katugastota traffic along Polgolla Road towards Peradeniya, while NewsFirst’s August 17 report names Gohagoda Road near the Katugastota Bridge for the same movement. Motorists should follow the directions of officers on the ground.
Liquor shops across the Kandy Kadawatha Satara and Gangawata Korala divisions will close for the 11 days of the pageant.
Sources
- Special traffic and security plan to be implemented for Kandy Esala Perahera — Ada Derana, August 14
- Nearly 8,000 Police, tri-forces deployed for Kandy Esala Perahera security — Daily Mirror, August 14
- Thousands of Security Personnel Deployed For Kandy Esala Perahera 2026 — NewsFirst, August 17
- Special traffic plan for Kandy Esala Perahera from tomorrow — Ada Derana, August 17
- Kandy Esala Perahera begins tomorrow, Police announce special traffic plan — Ada Derana, August 17
- Kandy Braces for Thousands as Esala Perahera Security Tightened — NewsFirst, August 17
