Police will impose temporary traffic restrictions in several areas around Gothatuwa and Rajagiriya on Sunday evening for the Esala Maha Perahera of the Sri Suramyarama Purana Viharaya in Madinnagoda.
The procession is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm, according to Gothatuwa Police, in an announcement reported by Ada Derana.
The route
The perahera will leave the Sri Suramyarama temple in Madinnagoda and travel via Mahaniyara junction along the 175 bus route, then along Buthgamuwa Road through Ambagaha Junction and Kotuwegoda to Rajagiriya. From Rajagiriya it will return along Medawelikada Road and through Madinnagoda via M.D.H. Jayawardena Mawatha before re-entering the temple grounds.
Traffic will be restricted along those roads while the procession is passing. Police have asked motorists who would normally use them to take alternative routes for the duration.
The stretch involved covers part of the main Buthgamuwa Road link between Gothatuwa and Rajagiriya, one of the busier eastern approaches into Colombo, and delays are likely on connecting roads through the evening.
Sunday’s procession follows the conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera on Friday with the traditional water-cutting ceremony.
