Special traffic plan for first Kumbal procession of the Kandy Esala Festival

Police implemented a special traffic plan for the first Kumbal procession of the historic Kandy Esala Festival.

Scheduled to parade from tomorrow (18) until August 28, the festival features special security measures including roadblocks, traffic inspections, tourist guidance, and parking arrangements announced by the Police Media Division.

Alternative traffic arrangements during the festival include:

• The first Kumbal procession commences tomorrow (18) from the Dalada Maligawa, moving along Dalada Veediya, Colombo Street, Yatinuwara Veediya, and Raja Veediya before returning to the temple.
The procession commences at 6.52 p.m and will be parading 1.65 km.

In the traffic plan and alternative routes within Kandy city, all heavy vehicles entering Kandy from Katugastota can travel from Mahaiyawa junction via Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha and Police junction into the city.

Light vehicles coming from Katugastota can travel along D.S. Senanayake Veediya, Cross Street, into Yatinuwara Veediya, turn right, drive left near the Meeran Makaam Mosque, and proceed via Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha.

Vehicles exiting towards Katugastota can travel from Police junction via Tilak Ratnayake Mawatha towards Mahaiyawa.

Vehicles arriving from Thennekumbura and Ampitiya can travel along Sangharaja Mawatha to Wales Park junction, turn right onto Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, and near Bogambara railway station proceed left towards Colombo or right towards the city. Vehicles can also enter Kandy from Rajapihilla Mawatha junction via Palli Para.

Vehicles travelling from the city towards Ampitiya and Theldeniya can proceed from the clock tower roundabout along Dalada Veediya, past the Queen's Hotel side door and Joy Boat Service, along Sangharaja Mawatha.

Alternatively, travel is permitted from Bogambara roundabout via Ehelepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Rajapihilla Mawatha, and Wales Park junction along Sangharaja Mawatha towards Ampitiya and Thennekumbura.

William Gopallawa Mawatha and Old Peradeniya Road can be utilised for entering and exiting Kandy towards Colombo.