State Minister Tennakoon joins the Kataragama Pada Yatra

State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon joined the annual Kataragama foot pilgrimage (Pada Yatra), this year. The State Minister completed the pilgrimage for the sixth consecutive year.

Hundreds of devotees from Sri Lanka and South India take up the walk from the Northern Jaffna peninsula to Kataragama in the South every year. This pilgrimage is a major tradition performed for the Kataragama God. Pilgrims arrive at the Kataragama Shrine after making the long journey and passing through the Yala National Park.

Defence Attachés of the US embassy and Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka also joined the State Minister for the Pada Yathra.

Tri-Forces, police and wildlife officials also assist the pilgrims making this perilous journey by providing all necessary facilities, including security, welfare and lifesaving services.