Special traffic plan in Matale, in view of Theru festival

The annual Theru festival of the Arulmigu Sri Muttumari Amman Temple in Matale city which commenced today in Matale city is scheduled to continue tomorrow as well.

Within two days five theru vehicles are scheduled to tour the streets of Matale city. Therefore the police have set up a special traffic program centering on Matale city.

Police said that as large numbers devotees and tourists are expected to visit the festival,it will result in heavy traffic congestion in the city.  
 Police requested those traveling from Dambulla to Kandy and from Kandy to Dambulla via Matale city during the Theru festival to use alternative routes.

Coming from Kumbhiyangoda road, they can take the Hulangamuwa road on the left near Kumbhiyangoda bridge and enter Matale town into Rajaveediya and turn left towards Dambulla.

Alternative routes to be used by drivers travelling from Dambulla to Kandy via Matale  from Thotagamuwa junction, they can take the Imbulandanda road on the left, from Kanangamuwa junction they can take the Parawaththa road to the south to Kaludewala, then take the Ratthota road on the left to Weragama, then turn right, and via Kiwula they can take the Matale Gongawela road and turn left on the same road and enter the Matale/Kandy road towards Kandy.

Today, when the Theru Ratha moves along the main street in the center of Matale town, traffic will be allowed to travel in both directions from Dambulla to Kandy along the King Street in Matale town. On the 13th, when the Theru festival moves along the King Street, traffic will be allowed to travel in both directions from Dambulla to Kandy along the Main Street.

Pix and story by Mahesh Keerthirathne