Defence Secretary Instructs to Strengthen Welfare Facilities and Security Arrangements in place for Devotees Attending the Dalada Exposition

The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) is on an inspection visit to Kandy on yesterday and today (Apr 22 & 23) to inspect the progress of the welfare infrastructure facilities and security arrangements in place for the public attending the Dalada exposition at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

This special exposition of the sacred tooth relic commenced on April 18^th (2025) on a special instruction by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Devotees can view the sacred relics daily from 11:00 am to 05:30 pm till the 27^th of this month. Thousands of local and foreign Buddhist devotees are arriving in Kandy daily for the exposition.

A special round the clock security program is being implemented lead by the tri-forces, to provide basic facilities including food, water, first aid and sanitary facilities to the devotees, as well as to ensure their safety and security.

The Defence Secretary, during his visit reviewed the security arrangements and current status of the ongoing welfare programs, and appreciated the hard work and dedication of the Tri-Forces, Police, and Civil Defence Department personnel who are working day and night for the benefit of the public. He advised the senior Tri-Forces officers in charge of these activities to provide a better service while avoiding any possible difficulties.

Due to the large influx of Buddhist devotees attending the sacred exposition, long queues have formed at the venue. In response, the Defence Secretary urged the public to monitor the conditions of these queues to prevent any inconvenience. He also extended his sincere appreciation to the philanthropists for their generosity in providing assistance to the devotees who have traveled from across the country for the exposition.

The Defence Secretary also emphasized the collective responsibility in providing necessary security and welfare facilities to the devotees participating in this rare spiritual occasion made possible for the Buddhists of the world after a period of 16 years.

The Defence Secretary was accompanied by the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters (Central), General Officer Commanding, 11 Division, Senior DIG, Central Province, as well as a group of senior officers from the tri - services and the Police.