12 INFANTRY DIVISION LENDS HAND TO DEVOTEES ENGAGE IN KATARAGAMA ‘PAADA YATHRA’

On 30 June 2024 troops of 12 Infantry Division commenced its support for devotees participating in the annual ‘Paada Yathra’, foot pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama. The 12 Infantry Division troops are specially attending for security and administrative needs of pilgrims along the route from Kumbukkan Oya to Katagamuwa, exit point of ‘Yala National Park’. This assistance continued until 15 July 2024.

With the guidance of the Commander of the Army, under the supervision of Maj Gen BKGML Rodrigo RSP psc IG, the Commander Security Forces – Central, medical assistance, suplying drinking water and other assistance were provided to devotees along the route via ‘Yala National Park’ from Kumbukkan Oya to Katagamuwa. Troops of 12 Infantry Division organized a ‘Saruwath Dansala’ at ‘Lin Thuna’ area inside the ‘Yala National Park’ on 30 June 2024 and Army shoulder the main task of the Dansala in Katagamuwa, preparing three meals daily from 02 July 2024 to 16 July 2024 for thousands of devotees. Totally 31984 devotees crossed over Yala to Kataragama Devalaya on ‘Paada Yathra’ during the period.