Devinuwara Perahera proceeded without elephants after security concerns and an organising committee boycott disrupted the historic event.
The Devinuwara Perahera faced unexpected disruption after security concerns and an internal dispute led to the removal of elephants from one of Sri Lanka’s oldest religious processions.
Tensions escalated during the fifth procession of the historic Devinuwara Upulvan Sri Vishnu Maha Devale Esala Perahera, prompting the long-serving organising committee to withdraw from the event.
The committee, which has overseen the perahera for many years, announced its boycott on the night of July 27 in protest against a decision taken by public security authorities, including Minister Ananda Wijepala.
The dispute arose after the Minister and security officials agreed to allow all Kavadi groups to participate in the sixth procession despite reported security threats. In response, 38 members of the organising committee withdrew from all perahera-related activities.
Although Grama Niladhari officers and police stepped in to conduct the procession, they faced challenges in maintaining its traditional structure.
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Devinuwara Perahera Held Without Elephants
Elephants had participated in the perahera from July 23 onwards, but none appeared during the fifth procession on the night of July 27.
Police said they removed the elephants because of safety concerns. According to officers, several mahouts were reportedly intoxicated while Kavadi performers were setting off flower fireworks, creating conditions that could have agitated the animals.
Authorities also acted after receiving information that a group allegedly planned to target the elephants by launching sky lanterns, known locally as Ahaskuru, into the procession.
As a precaution, police excluded the elephants from the event.
Despite the controversy, officials reported no major incidents during the procession. They also noted that the absence of elephants helped prevent potentially dangerous situations from developing.
