Sri Lanka Police have implemented a special security and traffic plan for the fourth Kumbal Perahera of the historic 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera.

The historic Kandy Esala Perahera, commenced on August 18 and will continue through August 28, 2026.

The special security programme and traffic plan include roadblocks, security duties, vehicle and pedestrian checks, tourist assistance and vehicle parking arrangements.

The fourth Kumbal Perahera is scheduled to commence from the Sri Dalada Maligawa at the auspicious 6:40 p.m. tomorrow (21). The procession will proceed along Dalada Veediya, Katugodalla Veediya and Raja Veediya before returning to Sri Dalada Maligawa.

According to Sri Lanka Police, the procession route covers a distance of 1 kilometer and 270 meters.

The following alternative routes will be in operation in Kandy city during the procession:

Alternative Routes

• Heavy vehicles travelling from Katugastota towards Kandy can proceed from Mahaiyawa Junction via Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha to Police Junction and then enter Kandy city.

   

• Light vehicles travelling from Katugastota can enter via D.S. Senanayake Street, cross over to Yatinuwara Street, turn right near Meera Maccam Mosque and proceed along Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.

   

• Vehicles exiting Kandy towards Katugastota can travel towards Mahaiyawa via Thilak Ratnayake Mawatha.

   

• Vehicles travelling from Tennekumbura and Ampitiya can enter Kandy from the Rajapihilla Mawatha Junction via Church Road.

   

• Vehicles travelling from Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha can turn right, while vehicles travelling from Bogambara Railway Station can turn left. Vehicles travelling from Colombo Road can also turn right. 

   

• Vehicles travelling from Kandy towards Ampitiya and Teldeniya can proceed from the Clock Tower Roundabout via Dalada Street, pass the Joy Boat Service near the side entrance of the Queen Hotel, and continue along Sangaraja Mawatha.

   

• Vehicles can also proceed via Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Wales Park Junction and Sangaraja Mawatha towards Ampitiya and Tennekumbura.

   

• William Gopallawa Mawatha and Old Peradeniya Road can be used to enter Kandy from Colombo and to exit Kandy towards Colombo.

Accordingly, Police have urged the general public to follow the traffic regulations and use the designated alternative routes during the Perahera.