People who point laser beams at elephants taking part in the Kandy Esala Perahera will be arrested immediately, Central Province Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Masinghe said.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Central Province Deputy Inspector General’s office, Masinghe said the use of loud horns that could frighten elephants, as well as bringing such items along the procession route, was strictly prohibited.
He also said no permission would be granted to place seats in a manner that obstructs the pavements reserved for devotees attending the procession.
Masinghe urged the public not to treat the religious procession held in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Four Great Gods as a carnival. He also requested spectators to refrain from cheering or whistling while the procession is under way.
He said there had been reports last year of some drug addicts posing as tourist guides and charging foreign visitors excessive amounts of money under the pretext of providing seats.
He added that additional officers had been deployed to the Tourist Police as part of a special security arrangement for this year’s procession. (Newswire)
