Navy lends helping hand to devotees engage in ‘Paada Yaathra’

Sri Lanka Navy on 10th June 2023 began providing assistance to devotees who are marching the annual foot pilgrimage, known as ‘Paada Yaathra’ from Jaffna to Sella Kathragama. Accordingly, the Navy looked into the requirements of the pilgrims marching the segment from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera inspected the services provided by the Navy for the convenience of devotees and joined the foot pilgrimage heading Katharagama, on 15th June.

At the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and under the supervision of the Commander Southeastern Naval Area, the Navy will continue to facilitate pilgrims until the termination of ‘Paada Yaathra’ (27th June). Accordingly, the Southeastern Naval Command is offering medical, hygiene, and life-saving amenities, as well as clean drinking water, meals, and various other services to devotees who are walking from Kumana to Kumbukkan Oya. In order to ensure the well-being and safety of these pilgrims, naval personnel are collaborating closely with the government institutes in the area as well.

Upon inspection of facilities offered by the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera paid his homage to Okanda Hindu Kovil and commenced marching in ‘Paada Yaathra’. He also visited Kiriwehera in Katharagama and paid obeisance.

Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne (Retd), former Commander Southeastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and newly appointed Area Commander Rear Admiral Nalin Navarathne were also joined this year’s foot pilgrimage. As a naval social responsibility initiative, the Navy will provide these facilities to thousands of devotees who are expected to join this significant event until the final day (27th June).