"Do Not Come to Kandy Today or Tomorrow," Police Urge Pilgrims

Sri Lanka Police requests the public to avoid visiting Kandy for the Sri Dalada Vandanawa today (24) and tomorrow (25), due to the large number of devotees already present.

A statement issued by the police noted that over 400,000 devotees have already arrived in Kandy for the Sacred Veneration of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

The police have advised the public to consider visiting on other days for the censuring a more comfortable experience without overcrowding.

The Siri Dalada Wandanawa, which marks a very special religious and spiritual experience for Buddhists across the world, continues for its 7th consecutive day, today. 

Following special religious observances for the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Siri Dalada Wandanawa, which begins at 11:00 AM, is scheduled to continue until 5:30 PM.

The Siri Dalada Vandana, which began on April 18th, offers devout Buddhists the opportunity to pay homage to the sacred relic for ten days, concluding on April 27th.

At the request of the President, the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” will be held under the guidance of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, and under the direction of the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. 

Setting aside all differences, people have come together in unity to support the pilgrimage of devoted Buddhists who have journeyed to Kandy with heartfelt reverence and a singular purpose—to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic, undeterred by sun or rain.

Members of the Tri-Forces, Police, and other security divisions continue to work tirelessly each day, providing devotees with water and refreshments to ease their pilgrimage. 

Special bus services have also been arranged to facilitate the return of worshippers who visited Kandy to venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic.