An Army-initiated, multifaceted humanitarian role of mammoth proportions, hitherto unheard in the post-war era, was now on in Mullaittivu beginning this afternoon (9) in connection with the annual Pongal festival at the most sacred Vattapalai Kannaki Amman Kovil (Temple), scheduled for tonight.
Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT) with full blessings of the Commander of the Army, has been at the forefront of extending its maximum cooperation to the smooth conduct of the Pongal Pooja which at the time of this edition being pasted, recorded an estimated crowd of over two lakhs of devotees, converging the premises.
At the request of the Board of Temple Trustees, SFHQ-MLT troops since Monday (9) morning have been distributing flowers and serving cooked meals by way of free eateries (Dansel) in the area for the devotees who are in need of offerings and meals.
In addition, more than 5-6 mobile Army medical units as well as several medical centres, are by now in operation in the premises in order to provide immediate medical assistance to the devotees in case of any emergency.
By 4.30 p.m. (local time), Army troops operating from many places have served free meals to about 27,270 devotees who reached those ‘Dansel’ from different ends since this morning. Similarly, more than 20 water bowsers of the Army with drinking water, have been stationed in and around the area, in view of the large numbers, still flocking to pay respect to the Temple.
Similarly, the SFHQ - MLT has earlier offered its expertise and assistance for the construction of temporary toilets and the uninterrupted supply of electricity to the entire area considering the large crowds entering all over the area.
As the Pongal festival was about to begin, Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters sprinkled flowers from above and sanctified the event further, amidst loud religious prayers of the devotees as flowers started settling.
Major General Jagath Dias, Commander, SFHQ - MLT who has been closely monitoring the arrangements and assistance, visited the Temple and made offerings at the request of the Temple Trustees this evening when the prayers got underway.
Vattapalai Kannaki Amman Temple, one of the most revered and respected sacred places of the Hindus, both living here and abroad had been holding this festival on a low profile during the 30 year long terrorist war, but the peace dividends prevailing in the past four years, have enabled Kovil Trustees to have it on a grand scale this time, attracting many foreigners.
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