Navy facilitates conduct of St. Anthony's Church festival in Palaitivu

The annual festival of St. Anthony's Church on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna was held on 18th and 19th March 2022. Sri Lanka Navy made necessary facilities available for the convenience of pilgrims who attended this religious event.

Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and under the supervision of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera the Navy facilitated the conduct of proceedings at the church premises. Chief among them were provision of food and drink, medical facilities, infrastructure and deployment of lifesaving teams for the safety of pilgrims.

The main mass was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Jebarathnam. A group of Fathers and Nuns representing other regions also attended this occasion.

Naval Officer in Charge (Islands) and Commanding Officer SLNS Welusumana, Commodore Hensley Peiris, a group of naval personnel of the Northern Naval Command, distinguished invitees and a group of devotees were also present on this occasion.