Several arrested with narcotics at Devinuwara Perahera

30-Jul-2026

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Several members of Kavadi dance groups who had arrived to participate in the annual Perahera of the Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya have been arrested with narcotics, police said.

The arrests were made during a special search operation conducted on the morning of July 29, according to police.

The arrests were made while arrangements were underway for this year’s annual Esala Maha Perahera to parade through the streets.

Around 1,500 personnel from the police and security forces have been deployed to ensure security during the historic Devinuwara Esala Perahera.

Authorities have also arranged to subject all Kavadi groups participating in the procession to immediate special inspections.

The security measures were intensified following a dispute between two underworld gang leaders over the participation of Kavadi groups at the annual Perahera of the Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya.

The dispute had escalated to the point where a shooting was carried out at a house located near the temple.

Considering the situation, the Inspector General of Police had on July 26 recommended to the Matara District Secretary that the participation of Kavadi dance groups in the annual Perahera be temporarily suspended.