According to Central Province Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Masinghe, nearly 300,000 devotees visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy during the first three days of the 'Siri Dalada Vandanawa'—a special religious event honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic.
From April 18th to 20th, throngs of devotees gathered to pay their respects, with lines stretching so long that some had to wait for up to two nights to get a glimpse of the sacred relic. Despite the wait, people of all ages remained patient, chanting the virtues of the Buddha as they stood in line.
In response to the large turnout, both the government and the Dalada Maligawa have arranged various facilities to support the devotees. The private sector has also actively contributed to these efforts. Additional mobile toilets are being set up, and new initiatives have been launched to provide food and drinks to those staying overnight.
The event has also drawn a significant number of international visitors, and special arrangements are being made to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring a more inclusive and comfortable experience for all attendees.