Kachchativu Feast concludes strengthening Indo-Lanka friendship

The Sri Lanka Navy facilitated the conduct of the annual feast of the St. Anthony’s church in Kachchativu on a grand scale. The Way of the Cross and the Holy Mass was held on 20^th February 2016, and the Feast Mass was held on 21^st February. Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka also provided Rs. 2.5 million for successful conduct of the event.

The Feast Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese and Bishop of the same Diocese His Lordship Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam. He was assisted by the Parish Priest of Delft and Kachchativu. Over 7,500 devotees including 4,605 Sri Lankan and 3,248 Indian pilgrims with clergy from Sri Lanka and India attended the feast strengthening the Indo-Lanka friendship. The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva and several senior naval officers also attended the Mass.

Under the guidance of the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Navy provided meals and all infrastructure facilities, including installation of sanitary and drinking water facilities. Temporary jetties were made ready for people to secure their boats conveniently, and special SLN lifesaving including medical teams were deployed to ensure the safety of the devotees attending the annual festival.