By Wasntha Chandrapala

The Navy has been deployed to clear solid waste including polythene disposed of by “Pada Yatra” pilgrims journeying on foot through Kumana and Yala National Parks to attend Kataragama Esala festival.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera has taken this step at the request of the Wildlife Conservation Department.

A team of wildlife officers including Park Warden of Kumana National Park Dilipa Samaranayake had joined them. He said 31,986 pilgrims had journeyed on foot through Kumana.