Six people have died and more than 550 others have been hospitalized during the 10-day Dalada Vandana pilgrimage in Kandy, according to Kandy National Hospital Director Dr. Iresha Fernando.
The deceased, aged between 58 and 80, included two police officers who had traveled to Kandy on duty related to the exposition of the sacred tooth relic.
All six individuals had been receiving treatment for pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that heart disease was the cause of death for two of them.
In addition to the fatalities, approximately 550 people participating in the Dalada Vandana were admitted to the Kandy National Hospital over the past 10 days. Many suffered from exhaustion, dehydration, and fainting, hospital officials said.
Health authorities had established nine health centers around the Sri Dalada Maligawa to provide emergency medical care.
Dr. Fernando reported that nearly 4,000 people sought treatment at these centers during the pilgrimage period.
Seven Suwasariya ambulances were on standby to swiftly transport critically ill individuals to the hospital, and a special program was implemented to provide immediate medical intervention to those falling ill near the Dalada Maligawa premises.
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