Sri Lanka Police have launched a real-time information management system for the public and devotees attending the Kandy Esala Perahera, which begins on Tuesday, August 18.
The system is intended to give visitors live access to practical information throughout the pageant, which runs until August 28.
What the system covers
According to police, users will be able to obtain information on traffic restrictions, roadblocks, security arrangements, vehicle and pedestrian checks, and parking facilities.
It also carries the Perahera route, suitable locations from which to watch the procession, locations with sanitary facilities, and designated points where missing persons can be reported or reunited with their families.
The service is accessible through the official Sri Lanka Police website by selecting the “Kandy Esala Perahera” link. A dedicated website has also been set up for the event. It can be used from a mobile phone, tablet or computer, allowing the public to check conditions from any location during the Perahera period.
Police said the system is designed to cut unnecessary travel and let devotees and visitors make informed decisions using live information, saving time and making journeys more convenient. They said it was also developed to improve the safety and convenience of devotees, visitors and their families, and asked the public to use the service when travelling to Kandy.
The Police Media Division said the system sits alongside the special security and traffic programme already in force for the pageant, Hiru News reported.
Part of a wider operation
The launch adds to arrangements announced over the past week. Police have deployed close to 8,000 personnel under a security and traffic management plan covering 14 entry points into Kandy and 13 designated parking areas, with a dedicated emergency hotline on 081 22 33 333.
The Excise Department will separately close liquor outlets across the Kandy Kadawatha Satara and Gangawata Korala divisions for the 11 days of the pageant.
The first Kumbal Perahera leaves the Sri Dalada Maligawa at 6.52pm on August 18, following the Kap planting ceremony that traditionally opens preparations. The festival concludes on August 28 with the final Randoli Perahera and the water-cutting ceremony.
