The sixth 'Peli' procession of the annual Esala procession of the Devinuwara Utpalavanna Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, which generated widespread discussion across the country in recent days, commenced this afternoon with the participation of 33 Kavadi dance troupes.

Police stated over 1,500 officers from the Police, Special Task Force, and Tri-Forces were deployed to provide security for the procession.

Even before the commencement of this year's annual Esala Perahera of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya, a controversial situation arose in society due to the release of several voice tapes by alleged organised criminal and drug trafficker Kanjipani Imran, as well as alleged organised criminal 'Dehibale Malli'.

Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya informed the Matara District Secretary to temporarily cancel the Kavadi dance feature in this year's procession; however, a decision to permit the Kavadi dance for the Devinuwara Esala procession was made at a special discussion held yesterday at the Matara District Secretariat, headed by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.

Accordingly, the annual Esala procession of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya commenced today under strict security involving drone operation units as well.

Thirty-three Kavadi dance troupes participated in this year's procession, and all these troupes underwent a special body search before the procession.

During those searches, several individuals possessing drugs were found, and police took action to arrest them.