With the dawn of Vesak Full Moon:

Pilgrimage to Sri Pada comes to an end

Irangika Range

The annual Sri Pada pilgrimage season came to an end yesterday, with the dawning of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.

The season came to an end after the arrival of the statue of God Saman, the casket and other religious materials at Galpottawala Rajamaha Viharaya in Pelmadulla.

Religious observances and alms givings were held at the ‘maluwa’.

The Sri Pada pilgrimage began on Unduwap Full Moon Poya day in December last year after the relic casket, the statue of God Saman and jewellery were placed in the special chamber at Sri Pada.

It has been reported that a large number of devotees had paid homage to God Saman at Sri Pada during the four months of the season with the dawn of peace in the country.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board had deployed a fleet of buses for the convenience of the Sri Pada pilgrims.

Twenty buses had been added to the normal bus service from Hatton to Nallathanni which were operated in collaboration with rail services.

The government has arranged all necessary facilities, including healthcare facilities to the pilgrims, while a special police team and special anti-narcotic officers have been deployed at Sri Pada.