Providing Refreshments and Dinner to Hindu Devotees Who Participated The Foot Procession in Conjunction With Maha Shivaratri

In line with Maha Shivaratri Day, the annual Hindu religious Padayathra organized by the Hindu Volunteer Association was conducted, during which devotees carrying the Shiva Linga proceeded from Mullaitivu Pulleiyar Kovil to the sacred Thiruketheeswaram Kovil in Mannar.

On 12 February 2026, as the procession passed through the Akkarayankulam area, the devotees were warmly welcomed by the troops of the 11^th (V) Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment. Tea and other refreshments were provided to the devotees of the Padayathra. The programme was carried out in a manner that demonstrated and strengthened harmony between the Sinhala and Tamil communities.

Further, on the same day, as the procession passed through Jayapuram area, the troops of 2^nd Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard hosted a special dinner for the devotees, which was organized at Jayapuram Kadirasamy Kovil, extending a commendable display of hospitality and community engagement. The thoughtful gesture was highly appreciated by the devotees and was remarked upon as a meaningful example of civil-military cooperation.

This initiative was carried out under the instructions of the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna), Major General K T P De Silva RSP ndu psc, and under the guidance of General Officer Commanding 55 Infantry Division, Major General H M G E Herath RSP USP ndu psc. The programme was conducted under the supervision of the Commander, 551 Infantry Brigade, with the participation of Officers and Other Ranks of the 11^th (V) Battalion the Gajaba Regiment and the 2^nd Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard.