08th July 2023 21:21:30 Hours
Nine Officers and 243 Other Ranks of the 12 Infantry Division of the Security Force HQ-Central in coordination with the Police assisted to provide security for the recent Kataragama Esala festival as per directions of the Major General P.P.A Peiris Hdmc psc, General Officer Commanding of the 12 Infantry Division and the Commander of the Army after the troops continuously facilitated ‘Pada Yathra’ devotees with drinking water, medical aid, food, temporary tents and camps while they were on foot pilgrimage during the period of June 12 - June 30.
More than 27, 000 devotees received the support of the troops in all under-command Battalions of the 12 Infantry Division under the supervision of their respective Commanding Officers when those devotees were crossing the Yala National Park sanctuary. During July 1-3, nine Officers and 243 Other Ranks provided security to the final stages of the 'Perhera' events.
‘Pada Yathra’ is an annual foot pilgrimage from the North and East to Kataragama coincident with the Kataragama Esala procession.
