Tightest security for Kandy perahera

by Z. M. Raazik in Kandy

Eight thousand policemen and policewomen of all ranks and 300 police vehicles will be on duty during the Kandy Esala Perahera which begins with the Kumbal Perahera on August 7.

They will be on duty controlling the crowds and traffic under the supervision of Kandy Division SSP D. Jayantha Gammanpila and SSP Kandy 1 K. D. C. Karunaratne.

All vehicles coming to Kandy town (High Security Zone) during the perahera season would be searched at seven checkpoints set up in the city, 11 checkpoints set up in the borders of Kandy police area and 13 checkpoints set up around the Kandy police division.

Police will open an information desk at the guardroom of the Kandy Police Station to help the public seeking information about the perahera and car parking areas.

This desk will function day and night.

Four police posts will function at the Natha, Paththini, Kataragama and Vishnudevale premises.

In addition to the plainclothes policemen several armed mobile patrol units will be on duty.

Personnel from the Military Police of the Sri Lanka Army will assist the police.

Meanwhile Kandy SSP D. Jayantha Gammanpila requests visitors to be calm and vigilant and help maintain law and order during the perahera season.

The SSP requests the visitors to use public transport and refrain from carrying unnecessary parcels.

He also advises the public to carry their national identity cards or any other document to establish their identity and people to refrain from wearing valuable jewellery during the perahera period.

Kandy Headquarter Inspector Anuruddha Bandaranayake requests motorists to follow road rules to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.