There will be no special passes or separate queues issued for VIPs or VVIPs during the upcoming exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, set to begin today 18) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Kandy and Matale Districts, Sudath Masinghe.

Speaking at a special media briefing held yesterday at the Kandy DIG’s office, he emphasized that 95% of the devotees attending the exposition would be regular worshippers, and that equal access would be ensured for all.

DIG Masinghe added that a selected group of Buddhist monks and foreign ambassadors would be provided special security arrangements and assistance to pay homage to the Sacred Relic. These dignitaries will be given the opportunity to venerate the relic before the official commencement of the event.

He also noted that special measures have been taken to manage traffic and ensure the smooth flow of devotees, particularly those arriving in buses and other heavy vehicles, with detailed awareness being provided to both drivers and pilgrims.

The exposition draws thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad, and authorities have taken extensive measures to manage the large crowds expected over the coming days.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Eastern, North-central and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night today (April 18).

Fairly heavy rainfall of above 50 mm are likely at some places in these areas, the dep. added.

A few showers may occur in the coastal areas of Western province and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts in the morning too.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the morning.

Meanwhile, today’s (April18) heat index – the temperature felt by the human body — remains at a cautionary level, according to the dep.

Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter celebrations.

As Easter services are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, 2025, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Senior DIGs) in charge of all provinces, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) in this regard.

Accordingly, the Acting IGP has further instructed officers to identify churches expected to attract large crowds as well churches where major religious services are held, to ensure security in and around those locations. 

The Police, Special Task Force (STF), and tri-forces personnel are to be deployed to ensure security during the Easter celebrations.