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Man arrested for abusing police officers during Kandy Dalada Perahera

A man has been taken into custody for verbally assaulting police personnel who were on duty at the Kandy Dalada Perahera festivities. The arrest was made as law enforcement maintained security at the sacred Buddhist celebration.

LSN Sri Lanka · 23 August 2026

Man arrested for abusing police officers during Kandy Dalada Perahera

Police arrested a man at the Kandy Dalada Perahera after he allegedly engaged in verbal abuse directed at officers performing their duties during the event. The incident occurred amid heightened security measures typically observed during the annual Buddhist festival in the central highlands.

The suspect was apprehended following the confrontation with police personnel stationed at the perahera. Details regarding the specific nature of the verbal abuse and the circumstances leading to the arrest remain limited at this stage.

The Kandy Dalada Perahera, one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural and religious events, attracts large crowds of devotees and visitors annually. Police deploy substantial numbers of personnel to manage crowds and maintain public order throughout the festival period.

The arrested individual is expected to be produced before the courts to face charges related to the alleged misconduct toward on-duty officers. Such incidents during major public gatherings occasionally result in law enforcement action to maintain order and protect personnel.