Sri Lanka's Devinuwara Hindu Festival Revives Kavadi Ritual After Attack Threat

Sri Lanka on Tuesday restored the centuries old Kavadi ritual at the historic Devinuwara Esala Perahera after authorities reversed an earlier decision to cancel it over intelligence warnings of a possible underworld linked attack. The ritual was held under an unprecedented security operation at the Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Temple, one of the island's oldest Hindu shrines.

Around 1,500 police personnel, including officers from the elite Special Task Force (STF) and intelligence units, were deployed to secure the procession, with authorities carrying out extensive screening of participants. Police also warned of traffic restrictions around the festival route.

The government restored the ritual after a high-level meeting chaired by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, attended by Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, senior police officials and district administrators. Officials decided to allow all 45 Kavadi troupes that performed last year to participate while significantly strengthening security.

The Kavadi performance had been suspended after intelligence agencies warned of a possible armed or drone attack linked to the bitter feud between overseas based fugitive drug kingpins Shehan Sathsara and Kanjipani Imran. Earlier, the IGP had recommended cancelling the ritual following assessments by national intelligence agencies and reports of threats circulated through voice messages on social media.

During Tuesday's security screening, police seized crystal methamphetamine, locally known as "ice", and cannabis from some participants.

Investigators believe followers of Sathsara were awarded this year's Kavadi contract instead of those linked to Imran, escalating tensions. The rivalry has already turned deadly. Two suspected Imran associates were shot dead opposite the temple in March 2025, while unidentified gunmen opened fire at a nearby house last week in another suspected gang related attack.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Devinuwara Esala Perahera is among Sri Lanka's oldest religious festivals, honouring Lord Vishnu, one of the island's guardian deities. The festival symbolises the country's long standing Buddhist and Hindu traditions, with devotees carrying ornate wooden structures while dancing to drums in an act of thanksgiving. As of Tuesday evening, authorities reported no security breach or attack, with the restored ritual concluding peacefully under heavy protection.