Authorities enforce strict new limits on Sri Pada pilgrims after geologists warn of safety risks, reshaping one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred journeys.
Norwood Divisional Secretary Samira Gamlath announced that new restrictions will be imposed on both local and foreign pilgrims visiting Sri Pada via the Hatton route during the 2025 to 2026 pilgrimage season. The decision follows an inspection conducted by a team of geologists from the National Building Research Institute’s head office. Their findings emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures as large crowds visit the sacred mountain during the peak season. Keywords such as pilgrimage safety, Sri Pada season and geologist recommendations were central to the discussion.
A high level meeting was held at the Sri Pada Udamaluwa with the participation of the Sri Pada Sthanadhipati, the Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University, the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Sabaragamuwa Ratnapura District, and senior religious leaders including Sri Sumangala Rathanapala Dhammarakkhitabhidhan and Sri Dhammadinna Thero of Bengamuwe. Senior officers including the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Central Province Lalith Pathinayake, the Secretary of the Norwood Division Sameera Gamlath, the Senior Superintendent of Police for the Hatton Division Pradeep Weerasekara and officials of the National Building Research Institute also took part. After reviewing the recommendations, all parties issued a joint press release through the Police Department.
New Restrictions for the Hatton Route
According to the notification, all devotees and tourists accessing the Sri Pada shrine through the Hatton route will be restricted from offering prayers above the Idikatu Pahana. It further states that a larger number of pilgrims will instead be directed to enter from the Ratnapura route near the Idikatu Pahana police station, allowing them to reach the upper section of the Sri Pada shrine safely. These measures aim to prevent overcrowding and reduce landslide and erosion risks along steep areas. Terms such as Hatton route restrictions, Sri Pada access control and safety management were highlighted as key phrases in the announcement.
Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake said that additional police officers will be deployed throughout the 2025 to 2026 Sri Pada pilgrimage season to strengthen security and support the large number of visitors.
The Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pada shrine, the Venerable Na Thero, emphasized that the safety of all pilgrims and tourists must come first. He added that the 2025 to 2026 Sri Pada pilgrimage will continue regardless of how many pilgrims visit, noting that protecting lives is the foremost responsibility of the custodians of the sacred site.
