Kandy Historical Esala Perahera 2026 – Sri Lanka Police Security and Traffic Plan

The annual historic Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to be held from 18 August to 28 August 2026 under the patronage of the State.

The Kumbal Perahera will be held from 18 August to 22 August, while the Randoli Perahera will take place from 23 August to 27 August. The Esala Maha Perahera will conclude with the Day Perahera on 28 August 2026.

The Sri Lanka Police will implement a comprehensive security and traffic management plan throughout the Perahera period. Under this plan, roadblock duties, security operations, vehicle and person checks, visitor assistance, traffic control and vehicle parking arrangements will be carried out to ensure the safety and convenience of the public.

A total of 6,200 police officers, 564 Police Special Task Force personnel, 1,200 tri-service personnel and 29 Civil Defence personnel will be deployed for security duties during the Perahera. Police sniffer dogs will also be deployed as part of the security arrangements.

Security measures will be further strengthened through roadblock duties at 14 entry points to Kandy city during the Perahera period.

To facilitate the public, 13 designated parking areas, comprising six light-vehicle parking areas and seven heavy-vehicle parking areas, have been allocated.

Alternative Routes – 

Drivers are advised to use the following alternative routes to avoid travelling through Kandy during the Perahera period:

Vehicles travelling from Katugastota to Peradeniya via Colombo and Nuwara Eliya can proceed towards Peradeniya using the Gohagoda Road near the Katugastota Bridge.

Vehicles travelling from Colombo towards Kurunegala, Matale and Mahiyanganaya via the Peradeniya–Gohagoda Road can proceed towards Kurunegala, Matale and Mahiyanganaya via Madawala.

Vehicles travelling from Kandy towards Mahiyanganaya via Badulla can proceed towards Badulla and Mahiyanganaya via Thennekumbura, using Dharmashoka Mawatha near Mahaiyawa Bingaya.

Designated Vehicle Parking Areas –

* Light Vehicle Parking
* KMC Parking
* Karaliya Parking
* Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha Parking
* Sahas Uyana Parking
* Parking area near the Railway StationEk Pasaka Parking on Gannoruwa Road

Heavy Vehicle Parking –

* Torrington Bus Stand
* Bogambara Bus Stand
* Aluthgama Dhammananda Mawatha Parking
* Clock Tower Bus Stand
* Railway Station Junction to Lamagaraya Road Parking
* Parking area inside Bogambara Prison

Rajapihilla Bus Stand near the YMBA – 

Members of the public who visit Kandy to witness the historic Esala Perahera at the Sri Dalada Maligawa are kindly requested to respect the country’s national and cultural traditions and to maintain public safety and environmental cleanliness throughout the event.

The Sri Lanka Police further requests the public to extend their fullest cooperation to police officers and other security personnel who will be performing duties around the clock to ensure the safety and security of all visitors.

The above information is kindly requested to be disseminated through your media institution to ensure that the public and motorists are adequately informed of the security arrangements, traffic restrictions and alternative routes during the Kandy Esala Perahera 2026.