Sri Lanka Navy, as it has been the practice, is lending its helping
hand to devotees who are engaged in foot pilgrimage, known as ‘Paada
Yaathra’ along the route from the entrance of Kumana National Park to
Kumbukkan Oya. The traditional foot pilgrimage marches from Jaffna to
Sella Kathragama annually, with the participation of many devotees.
At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha
Ulugetenne and under the supervision of Commander Southeastern Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Prasad Kariyapperuma, naval personnel attached to
the command are providing medical, lifesaving and other services to
thousands of devotees marching the leg from Kumana to Kumbukkan Oya.
The entrance of Kumana National Park will be open until 05th August
2022 to devotees intending to join this foot pilgrimage and the Navy
has made arrangements to serve them until such time, as part of
another Naval Social Responsibility initiative.
