Sripada Pilgrimage under strict regulations Only 200 piligrims allowed at a time at Sripadastana Only permit holder will be allowed

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya 

The authorities have decided that the pilgrims should register with the Divisional Secretariats of the respective areas and obtain a permit to visit Sri Pada this year. Sri Pada Season 2020/2021 will commence on December 29 with the Unduwap Fullmoon Poya. 

The processions carrying the caskets of relics and the statuette of God Sumana Saman would leave GalpoBy Ajithlal Shanthaudaya 

The authorities have decided that the pilgrims should register with the Divisional Secretariats of the respective areas and obtain a permit to visit Sri Pada this year. Sri Pada Season 2020/2021 will commence on December 29 with the Unduwap Fullmoon Poya. 

The processions carrying the caskets of relics and the statuette of God Sumana Saman would leave Galpotthawala Sri Pada Rajamaha Vihara on December 28 and proceed along the Hatton – Nallathanniya, Ratnapura – Palabathgala, Kuruwita –Erathna, and Balangoda-Nallthanniya routes. 

The processions would converge at the Sri Padasthana in the early hours of the next morning. 
Ratnapura District Secretary Malani Lockupothagama told a meeting of the organisers of the pilgrim season that the permits issued by the Divisional Secretaries would be checked by the Police and that only permit holders would be allowed to proceed to Sri Padastana. 

The meeting was presided over by Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and held under the guidance of Chief Incumbent of the Sri Padastana Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera. 

The Thera said the pilgrims would not be allowed to stay in the upper compound and that only 200 pilgrims at a time would be allowed entry to the upper compound during the daytime. 

The District Secretary said the Police and PHIs would be on duty along the route ground the clock and that they would carry out constant checks on stalls catering to the pilgrims. 

She said the temperature of every pilgrim would be examined on entry to the pilgrim route and that anyone who had temperature or showed symptoms of CORONA, he and others of his group will not be allowed to proceed. 
Members of the Mahasangha and several senior officials attended the meeting.enior officials attended the meeting.