Police announce traffic plan for first Kumbal Perahera of Kandy Esala Perahera

On Aug 24, 2026

The Sri Lanka Police has unveiled a special security and traffic plan for the opening procession of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera, which begins tomorrow (18) and continues until August 28 under the auspices of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The plan includes roadblocks, security duties, vehicle and person checks, guidance for pilgrims, and designated parking arrangements to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow during the festival.

The first Kumbal Perahera will commence at 6.52 pm tomorrow, starting from the Maligawa and proceeding along Dalada Veediya, Colombo Road, Yatinuwara Road, and Raja Veediya, before returning to the Maligawa. The procession route covers a distance of 1.65 km.

Alternative traffic routes during the Perahera are as follows;

Heavy vehicles from Katugastota → Mahayiyawa Junction → Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha → Police Junction → Kandy city.
Light vehicles from Katugastota → D.S. Senanayake Veediya → Cross Road → Yatinuwara Road → turn near Meeramakkam Mosque → Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.
Vehicles leaving towards Katugastota → Police Junction → Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha → Mahayawa.
Vehicles from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya → Sangharaja Mawatha → Wells Park Junction → turn at Ahelepola Kumarihami Mawatha → Bogambara → near Railway Station → Colombo (left) or city (right). Entry is also possible via Rajapihilla Mawatha Junction → Palliya Para.
Vehicles from city towards Ampitiya/Teldeniya → Clock Tower Roundabout → Dalada Veediya → Queen’s Hotel side entrance → past Joy Boat Service → Sangharaja Mawatha. Alternative: Bogambara Roundabout → Ahelepola Kumarihami Mawatha → Rajapihilla Mawatha → Wells Park Junction → Sangharaja Mawatha → Ampitiya/Tennekumbura.
Vehicles entering or leaving Kandy city towards Colombo → William Gopallawa Mawatha or Old Peradeniya Road.

Police urged the public to cooperate with the traffic arrangements and security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural and religious festivals. (Newswire)

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