The Basnayake Nilame of the Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, Thilina Madhusanka, has issued a statement regarding the situation surrounding the Kavadi dance segment in the 769th Esala Perahera Mangal.
The statement was released yesterday (26) afternoon.
In the statement, the Basnayake Nilame said he has no objection to including the Kavadi dance segment in the sixth line of the 769th Esala Perahera Mangal.
However, he also stated that only 25 registered Kavadi dance groups will be permitted to participate in the dance segment.
Statement Excerpt
“I declare that I have no objection to the inclusion of the Kavadi dance element in the 06th line of the 769th Esala Perahera Mangal of the Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya.
Furthermore, only 25 registered groups will be allowed to perform the dance.”
Meanwhile, Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakaratne had earlier recommended the removal of the Kavadi dance segment from the annual procession of the Devinuwara Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya.
The recommendation was made after considering intelligence reports and the recommendations submitted by the Inspector General of Police regarding the alleged conflict between two organised crime groups over the Kavadi dance segment.
