Devinuwara incident: Basnayake Nilame overrides the police

A highly controversial situation has arisen regarding the performance of the Kavadi dance item at the 769th annual Esala Maha Perahera festival of the historic Uthpalawanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya in Devinuwara. While the Inspector General of Police and the District Secretary had recommended removing the dance item from the procession due to existing security threats, the Basnayake Nilame, contrary to this, issued a letter granting permission for it, thus initiating this crisis.

Devinuwara Basnayake Nilame, Mr. Thilina Madushanka, in a letter dated July 26, 2026, addressed to the Kavadi Dancers' Association, indicated that he has no objection to including Kavadi dance groups for the 6th line procession. According to that official letter, only 25 registered Kavadi groups will be given the opportunity to dance in the procession.

However, the Basnayake Nilame's decision directly challenges the security advice and orders previously given by the Inspector General of Police. The Inspector General of Police had previously informed the Matara District Secretary in writing to take steps to remove the Kavadi item from this year's procession, citing ongoing conflicts between two organized underworld gangs and death threats made against the Basnayake Nilame by a criminal named 'Kanjipani Imran' who is currently abroad.

Intelligence reports, including those from the State Intelligence Service, had warned of a high risk of an attack using drone technology or public unrest during this sacred event, where over 40,000 people gather. Based on this severe security risk, Matara District Secretary Mr. Chandana Thilakarathna had also ordered the Basnayake Nilame to immediately suspend the Kavadi dance item in the procession.