Authorities in the Hatton Police Division have launched a series of special operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking and the illegal use of alcohol along the Hatton Road to Adam’s Peak.
The operations are part of a broader effort to ensure the sanctity of the Sripada pilgrimage season, which attracts thousands of devotees each year, police said.
In a recent operation, 14 individuals were arrested in a single day for carrying illicit substances, including hashish, ganja, ganja mixed with herbal pills, and marijuana-laced cigarettes. The suspects were caught while traveling with other pilgrims to the mountain shrine, said Hatton Division Superintendent of Police, Pradeep Weerasekera.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Sripada pilgrimage remains a sacred journey for all,” said Weerasekera. “This is not a picnic, and visitors must behave respectfully when visiting this holy shrine.”
Police have been instructed to conduct random bag checks at various locations along the Hatton Road. These operations will continue throughout the pilgrimage season as authorities target individuals and groups attempting to bring illegal substances or alcohol into the area.
The crackdown is part of a larger initiative to preserve the sanctity of Sripada, where bringing alcohol or drugs is seen as highly inappropriate. Weerasekera emphasized that all police stations in the Hatton Police Division are on high alert, with officers specifically tasked with identifying and arresting those violating the law during the pilgrimage.
Additionally, emergency roadblocks have been established to inspect vehicles carrying pilgrims. Those caught with illegal substances will face immediate detention at police stations and will be presented in court. They will not be allowed to continue their pilgrimage.
“We urge all pilgrims to visit the Sripada shrine with respect and reverence, without bringing alcohol or drugs,” Weerasekera urged, reaffirming the police’s dedication to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.
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