The sacred city of Kataragama welcomes pilgrims after a year long lapse

By K.D.Devapriya

A heavy influx of pilgrims to Kataragama sacred city was experienced during the weekend after opening the country. Residents of the area who depended mainly on the income from pilgrims and tourists said they could finally breathe a sigh of relief after more than a year.

Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara said more than 1000 pilgrims had attended Poojas at the  Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala on Saturday (02) after lifting the curfew.

He said more than 5000 families that depended on providing services to the pilgrims and tourists had been facing hardship due to the travel restrictions that resulted in their loss of livelihood.