Pada Yatra pilgrims commence their journey

By Sumanasiri Gunatilleka

Pada Yatra pilgrims from the North and East, making a long trek through the hard terrain of Kumana and Yala Wildlife Sanctuaries to attend the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya Esala festival commencing on July 5, set off from the Kumana main entrance on Sunday (30). 

Lahugala Divisional Secretary N. Navadirajah said a group of about 6,000 pilgrims entered the Kumana Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday after the opening of the main gate. They will break their journey at Kumbukkan Oya, Katupilara, Linthuna, Menik Ganga, Warahana bridge, Katagamuwa, Kochchipatana, and Ganeshvara Kovil to rest. 

Eastern Province Governor Sennthil Thondaman, Ampara District Secretary Chinthaka Abeygunasekara, Lahugala Divisional Secretary N. Navadirajah, Pothuvil ASP Wehitha Deshapriya, and OIC Panama Police CI P.K. Tilakaratne were present at the occasion. 

The police and the security forces, with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Department, have taken steps to provide protection to the Pada Yatra pilgrims and those attending the festival.