by A Correspondent in Colombo
A man standing in queue for days during the Sri Dalada Vandana pilgrimage has died of a sudden heart attack, highlighting the dangerous overcrowding and disorganized conditions surrounding the event.
According to Deputy Inspector General of Police for Kandy and Matale, Sudath Masinghe, the victim collapsed while waiting among thousands of devotees lining up to pay homage at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Emergency services were unable to save him.
“This tragedy reflects the growing risks associated with the massive crowds and lack of space,” DIG Masinghe said in a joint press briefing with Central Province Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake. “We ask the public not to attend over the next two days.”
Officials report that thousands of people have been queuing for up to three days, with crowd control spiraling out of hand. In Katugastota, over 2,000 people had climbed onto a disused iron bridge. Authorities say it could have collapsed under the weight, potentially causing mass casualties. The bridge was dismantled just in time following warnings from the Road Development Authority.
Initially, attempts to move the crowds met resistance. The Sri Lankan Army was called in to assist with de-escalation and relocation. But unrest resurfaced as people advanced into town seeking toilet and sanitation facilities, prompting further intervention.
At present, the Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, and military are working intensively to manage the situation.
This year’s Sri Dalada Vandana—typically a peaceful and spiritual gathering—has instead turned chaotic, raising serious concerns about crowd safety, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.
