August 16, Colombo (LNW): Police have announced temporary traffic arrangements in Kaduwela today (16) in connection with the annual ‘Diya Kapima’ ceremony of the Sri Rankadu Paththini Devalaya.
The associated Perahera is expected to take place between 6.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m., with traffic controls introduced along sections of the procession route.
The procession will set off from the vicinity of the Devalaya and travel along the 143 Avissawella–Colombo bus route. It will cross the Kaduwela Rajasinghe Bridge and continue towards Bandarawatta and the Biyagama area before making its return journey.
Once the ‘Diya Kapima’ ritual is completed, the procession will head back to the Devalaya through Kaduwela Junction, again using the designated route.
Police have urged motorists and other road users to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative roads, particularly during periods when the procession is moving through busy sections. The temporary arrangements are intended to keep traffic flowing and reduce delays in the area.
Motorists affected by restrictions near Wele Junction on the 143 Avissawella–Colombo route can take Pattiyawatta Road via the 697 bus route, then connect with the 177 Kaduwela–Kollupitiya route. They can continue along Rajasinghe Mawatha towards Malabe before joining the 143 route again.
Drivers are advised to allow additional travel time and follow directions issued by police officers deployed along the affected roads.