Sri Pada pilgrimage to commence on December 18

By Ranjith Rajapakse  

Sri Pada pilgrim season 2021/2022 is scheduled to commence on the Unduvap full moon day on December 18.  

Chief Sanghanayake of the Ratnapura Disawa , Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Chief Incumbent of the Pelmadulla Rajamaha Vihara and of the Sri Padasthana Ven. Begamuwe Dhammadinna Thera told a meeting of the government and the state sector officials yesterday that the pilgrim season would be organised in keeping with the instructions issued by health authorities.  

The meeting was chaired by Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Nandana Galaboda.  

The Ven. Thera pointed out that pilgrims and tourists had been debarred from visiting the Sri Padastana over the last two years and he expected the health authorities to relax restrictions as far as possible.  

“Two processions leaving Galpotthawala Rajamaha Vihara in the early hours of the previous day (17) would proceed along the Hatton route and the Balangoda route and converge in Maskeliya town. Another processision taking the Ratnapura- Palabaddala route after attending religious observances at the Maha Saman Devala would join the other procession on the Kuruvita-Erathna route. All four processions would meet at the Heramitipana on the Sri Pada route.” the Ven.Thera said  

He stressed the need to provide adequate facilities to tourists who bring in the much needed foreign exchange to the country and for pilgrims who have not been able to visit Sri Padasthana for two years.  

A book titled Hindu Darshanaya (Hindu Philosophy) authored by Ven. Kampane Gunaratne Thera and its translation by W.M. Iresha Madushani were launched at 
the meeting.   

Several senior government officials including Ginigathena Divisional Secretary , Chairman of Ambagamuwa and Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabhas and officials from the private sector were present.