It is reported that IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya has submitted a written recommendation to the Matara District Secretary to remove the Kavadi dance element from the 769th annual Esala Maha Perahera of the historic Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya.
This recommendation has been prepared taking into account the intelligence reports provided by the national intelligence and security forces, and accordingly, the District Secretary has written to the Devinuwara Basnayake Nilame to remove the Kavadi dance element from the perahera.
A conflict situation has arisen between organized crime groups regarding Kavadi groups, and it is reported that a serious threat to public safety may arise on the day of the perahera.
It is said that the IGP has given this recommendation considering the security concerns as a large number of local and foreign tourists will gather to watch the perahera.