President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presence at the Kataragama Esala Perahera draws criticism from devotees over tight security. Concerns rise as this year’s deployment exceeds previous presidential visits.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a prominent appearance at this year’s Kataragama Esala Perahera, one of the most revered religious festivals in Sri Lanka. However, his visit has stirred controversy as devotees raised concerns about the excessive security presence, which many say disrupted the sacred atmosphere and their access to the event.
This year’s security deployment was reportedly far greater than in previous years, even when other Presidents had attended the Perahera. The heightened presence of armed personnel, security checkpoints, and restricted zones has sparked a wave of public criticism both on-ground and online.
Several devotees claimed they were unable to get close to the procession, with some expressing frustration over unnecessary delays and limited viewing access. Others took to social media to describe the situation as over-policed, suggesting that the Perahera had lost its spiritual intimacy due to excessive state presence.
Among those who spoke out was former Director General of Government Information, Ranga Kalansuriya, who posted on his social media account questioning the necessity and scale of the security operation.
The Kataragama Esala Perahera, held annually in the sacred city of Kataragama, draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists alike. The President’s participation is traditionally viewed as an expression of cultural respect and national unity. However, this year, that symbolism has been overshadowed by accusations of overreach and insensitivity to the religious sentiments of ordinary devotees.
While no official statement has been released from the Presidential Secretariat or security authorities, the situation has triggered a broader conversation about how state presence should be balanced with public access during cultural and religious events.
Public Security and the Kataragama Perahera
I write this note with deep pain after returning from Kataragama.
I went to Kataragama this year with the same excitement I had when I went last year, but the experience was extremely bitter. I had never seen such a militarized Perahera. It was the worst experience I’ve had in my life as a devotee who has been attending the Kataragama Esala Festival for 25 years.
What I saw was a public religious ceremony being held under military control. In fact, I even had to show my ID to attend the final ritual at the Kiri Vehera temple. That was the level of restriction. The area was surrounded by police barricades, and only select devotees were allowed in under strict control. I’ve never seen such a lockdown at this sacred event.
I write this not to stir up politics, but as a long-time devotee of Kataragama, heartbroken at the sight of the once free and spiritually uplifting Perahera turned into a heavily militarized spectacle.
Security is important. But what is the logic in placing armed soldiers with machine guns in front of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya on the final day of the Esala Perahera?
(These are the personal views of someone who attended the festival as a civilian, not someone affiliated with any political or religious institution. I have no intention to hurt anyone.)
