Over 1,500 policemen for Kataragama Esala pageant

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Over 1,500 policemen have been deployed for special duties along with additional traffic policemen for the annual Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Pageant that commenced on July 19.

The pageant will conclude on August 2, with the water-cutting ceremony, Police Media Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said. He said several policemen in civvies have also been deployed to nab pick pocketers and those who fleece devotees who visit Kataragama to witness the pageant. The policemen have been instructed to mingle with people and keep a vigilant eye on criminals, the police spokesman said. Arrangements have been made for motorists to park their vehicles at the following car parks.

Round Kade car park, Near the President's College car park, Ilanaga car park, Ranjith Madduma Bandara sports grounds, Car park in front of the Water Board, Gam Udawa Raja Mawatha car park, Bangala Junction car park at Aluthpara, Car park near Detagamuwa Lake, Car park opposite Gangaramaya and the Car park opposite the Muslim Pilgrims Rest.

The police have called upon devotees to avoid bathing at unprotected lakes where police and Navy lifeguards are not deployed.