Sri Lanka removes Kavadi dance from Devinuwara Perahera over organized‑crime threats

The Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasuriya, submitted a written recommendation on 25 July 2026 to temporarily remove the Kavadi dance from the 769th annual Esala Maha Perahera at the historic Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara. The decision, acted on by Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakaratne and the Basnayake Nilame Arachchige Thilina Madhushanka, follows intelligence assessments from the Chief of National Intelligence, the State Intelligence Service, the Police Special Task Force and the senior deputy IGP for the Southern Province.

Reports indicated a serious dispute between two organised‑crime groups, “Dehi Bale Malli” and “Unakuruwe Shantha”, over the selection of Kavadi groups. Threatening audio recordings circulated in mainstream and social media, with overseas‑based criminal “Kanjipani Imran” warning of violence if his faction’s groups were excluded and issuing death threats against the Basnayake Nilame. A shooting near the Devalaya on 21 July 2026 and possible drone threats heightened concerns. To avoid clashes, loss of life and international disrepute, the Kavadi dance slated for 28 July 2026 will not take place.