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

The Sri Lanka Navy today (30th June 2024) commenced its support for devotees participating in the annual 'Paada Yaathra' foot pilgrimage from Jaffna to Sella Katharagama. The Navy is specifically attending to the needs of pilgrims along the route from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. This assistance will continue until 11th July.

Accordingly, under the supervision of the Southeastern Naval Command, medical services, life-saving support, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and other essentials, including food, are being provided to devotees along the route from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. The Navy will coordinate with other government agencies in providing these facilities.

The opening of the entrance gate to Kumana National Park was attended by the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, the Governor of the Eastern Province, Hon. Senthil Thondaman, Commander Southeastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga, security force personnel, religious dignitaries of Hindu faith, and devotees.