20th June 2024 15:07:57 Hours
The Kataragama Esala Festival, a prominent religious and cultural event in the Southern Province, is set to take place from 02 to 22 July 2024. A coordinating conference was held at Kiriwehara on 12 June 2024, co-chaired by the District Secretary of Monaragala, the Basnayaka Nilame of Kataragama Dewalaya, and Major General C.S. Munasinghe WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc IG, General Officer Commanding of the 12 Infantry Division.
Troops from the 12 Infantry Division will ensure the security for devotees during the 51 km long 'Paada Yaathra' through the Yala jungle. Troops also will provide basic necessities, including medical facilities, in coordination with government and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the troops will facilitate cooking and ensure the functioning of the 'Devalaya Dansala' for 12 days and also provide security for the 'Devalaya Perehara' and assist with the week-long 'Kirivehara Pirith'.
