• Monaragala District Secretary Gunadasa Samarasisnghe told the coordinating meeting that steps would be taken to provide them facilities and protection during the journey

By M.K. Nandasena  

A group of more than 2,500 pilgrims on “Padayatra” journeying on foot from the North and East to attend the Kataragama Esala festival, had entered Kumana National Park yesterday.  

Monaragala District Secretary Gunadasa Samarasisnghe told the coordinating meeting that steps would be taken to provide them facilities and protection during the journey.  

The meeting was presided over by the Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Rajamaha Vihara Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera.  

Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara said he expected a large crowd to attend the festival this year after an interval of about three years, due to the Corona pandemic.  

Uva Province Chief Secretary P.B. Wijeratne, SSP Amal Edirisinghe and several senior officials were present at the occasion.