Sri Lanka, July 28 -- 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'.

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