In an unprecedented move, Sri Lankan authorities have banned further entry of pilgrims into Kandy city amid an overwhelming influx of devotees visiting the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The decision, announced today by Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte, comes after more than 400,000 people have already flooded the city.
Citing concerns over public health, overcrowding, and the city’s limited infrastructure, Udawatte issued a public appeal urging all citizens and pilgrims to immediately refrain from entering Kandy until further notice.
“We really need to tell the truth to the country and the people,” he said during a special press conference organized by the Dalada Viharaya Steering Committee. “If we take the 400,000 people currently here, it will take another four or five days for them to complete the Dalada Pandana. Kandy is a limited space. It cannot sustain more people than it already holds.”
The District Secretary emphasized that while authorities are doing their best to provide basic food, water, and sanitary facilities, the situation is quickly becoming unmanageable. He warned of potential health hazards and even disaster risks if the number of visitors continues to rise.
“In terms of sanitation and access to essentials, we are already at capacity. If people continue to arrive, there could be serious health and safety consequences,” Udawatte said, stressing that the request was made in the best interest of the public.
Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake of the Central Province echoed these concerns, stating that the police and supporting authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the situation. “If more people come, we simply won’t be able to offer them the necessary support,” he said. “We humbly request the public to stay away from the Dalada Pandana until further notice.”
The Sacred Tooth Relic pilgrimage is one of the most revered and spiritually significant events in Sri Lanka. However, this year’s turnout has exceeded all expectations, pushing the city’s capacity to a critical breaking point.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and will issue further updates regarding the resumption of pilgrim access once conditions stabilize.
It’s sad to see the people suffering spending days on the roads without proper food, sanitation, sleep, it should have been properly organised at district level limiting only the elderly and disabled to travel to kandy to worship the tooth relic for the start
This is a good eye opener, for authorities to be better prepared ,
Strict instructions to citizens saying that they will be fined for littering ,