The annual feast of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kachchativu, held on 14 and 15 Mar 25, was a vibrant celebration of faith and unity, drawing a large number of devotees from across India and Sri Lanka. The event saw the main mass led by prominent clergy, including the Bishop of Sivagangai Diocese in India, Rt. Revd. Dr. Lourdu Ananthan, Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese, Very Revd. Fr. P. J. Jebaratnam, Revd. Fr. Ciswan de Croos from Colombo Arch Diocese, Parish Priest of Rameswaram in India, Revd. Fr. Ashok and Parish Priest in Delft, Revd. Fr. P. Pathinathan. Organized by the Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Rt. Revd. Justin Gnanapragasam and Jaffna District Secretary, Mr. Maruthalingam Piiratheepan, the festival was a testament to cross-border spiritual camaraderie. The Sri Lanka Navy, which received high praise from all communities present at the annual festival, played a pivotal role, lending its technical expertise and manpower to ensure seamless arrangements.

The Sri Lanka Navy today (17 Mar 25) bade farewell to Rear Admiral Prashantha Anthony who relinquished his duties to which he was committed over the past 34 years in the Sri Lanka Navy.