A centuries-old Hindu festival in Sri Lanka has been disrupted for the first time after authorities cancelled one of its most significant rituals over security concerns. Police cited intelligence reports warning of threats linked to a violent feud between two rival criminal gangs, including the possibility of a drone attack.
International Desk: A key ritual at the annual Esala Perahera festival, held at the historic Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Temple in the coastal town of Devinuwara, has been cancelled due to security concerns stemming from an ongoing gang rivalry, police said on Monday.
The traditional Kavadi ritual, scheduled for Tuesday as part of the week-long festival that began on 23 July, was called off following intelligence warnings of a possible attack. Acting on the security assessment, police instructed the Matara District Secretary to cancel the ceremony.
Dating back to the 13th century, the Devinuwara Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most important religious and cultural celebrations. The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is revered as one of the island nation’s guardian deities.
According to police, the threat is linked to the long-running rivalry between fugitive drug trafficking kingpins Shehan Sathsara and Kanjipani Imran. Both men are believed to be directing their criminal organisations from overseas. Authorities said the rival leaders had issued threats over the telephone.
Investigators believe tensions intensified after this year’s contract to organise the Kavadi ritual was awarded to individuals thought to support Sathsara rather than those associated with Imran.
Kavadi is a Hindu devotional ritual performed by worshippers as an expression of gratitude, devotion and penance. Participants carry elaborately decorated wooden structures on their shoulders while dancing to the rhythmic beats of drums and devotional music.
The area has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent months. In March 2025, two suspected members of Imran’s gang were shot dead outside the temple in an attack allegedly carried out by the rival faction. Just five days ago, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a house near the temple, an incident police also believe was connected to the ongoing gang feud in Devinuwara.
Sources said police intelligence also received information suggesting that the religious procession could be targeted in an attack involving firearms or drones. In response, the Inspector General of Police ordered heightened security measures and authorised the cancellation of the Kavadi ritual, marking an unprecedented disruption to one of Sri Lanka’s most historic religious festivals.
