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

Sri Lanka Navy on 30th June 2023 began providing assistance to devotees who are marching the annual foot pilgrimage, known as ‘Paada Yaathra’ from Jaffna to Sella Kathragama Devalaya. Accordingly, the Navy looked into the requirements of the pilgrims marching the segment from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. Meanwhile, the 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 03rd July.

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 engaging in ‘Paada Yaathra’ from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. Accordingly, the Southeastern Naval Command is offering medical, hygiene, and life-saving amenities, and various other services to devotees. 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. Additionally, the Southern Naval Command took the initiative to supply safe drinking water to pilgrims, ensuring their needs were met during the event.

Upon inspection of facilities offered by the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera paid his homage to Katharagama Devalaya, Okanda and commenced marching in ‘Paada Yaathra’. He also visited Kiriwehera in Katharagama and paid obeisance on 05th July.

Moreover, the Commander of the Navy paid homage to Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya and Wedasiti Kanda Raja Maha Viharaya as well. At Wedasiti Kanda Raja Maha Viharaya, Vice Admiral Perera received the blessings of its Chief Incumbent Ven. Heelle Ganananda Thera.

The President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Mala Lamahewa, Commander Southern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, Commander Southeastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga, Director General Logistics, Rear Admiral Ruwan Kalubowila as well as a group of senior and junior officers 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 (11th July).