New stipulations for pilgrims as season begins

BY CYRIL WIMALASURENDRE

KANDY –

Pilgrims climbing Sri Pada this season, beginning from December 28, should bring a letter of registration issued by their respective Divisional Secretary. This decision was taken at a meeting attended by the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada Vihara, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadhinna thera and Governors of Sabaraganuwa and Central Provinces, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and Lalith U. Gamage.

The number of pilgrims on the first day of the season will be limited to 200. “There are four routes leading to the Sri Pada summit from Palabaddala, Balangoda, Kuruwita and Nallatanniya. Only 50 people will be allowed on one route.”

He said that the procession taking the Sacred objects to the top of Sri Pada, on the dawn of December 28, would not stop on the way.

The owners and employees of the shops and hotels will also be subjected to regular PCR tests.

Ratnapura District Secretary Malini Lokupothanage, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary B.R. Pushpakumara, Secretary to the Central Province Governor Anton Tilakaratne, Central Province Director of Health Services Dr. Nihal Weerasuriya, Ratnapura District Director of Health Services Dr. S.H. Panditharatne and several others were present at the meeting.