There will be around 2,000 Army personnel and 6,000 police officers deployed for the upcoming Kandy Esala Perahera, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said.
“All measures have been taken to protect the glory of the perahera which will be conducted from August 5 to 15. We have a lot of support from all those involved. Around 2,000 Army personnel and 6,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure the safety of the public, due to the Easter attacks,” he said, speaking to the media yesterday about preparations for the perahera.
He added that the public should refrain from bringing bags and should cooperate with all the security checks that will be carried out on the days of the perahera.
“The public is requested to carry some form of identification during the perahera, as there will be a lot of checks at various locations.”
Commenting on the issue of using elephants for the pageant which has been criticised by many animal activists, he said, “The elephant is the symbol of the perahera and has been a part of the perahera for decades. It is an essential component of the pageantry and without the elephant there is no culture. I request the media not to see this as animal cruelty and to get the right information about the elephants from the Maligawa.”
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