Strong gale inconveniences Sripada pilgrims

Asela Kuruluwansa

A strong gale swept across the central hills on Monday night inconveniencing Sripada pilgrims on their annual trek and causing damage to nearly 20 linerooms in Great Western Estate, Talawakelle. Nallathanny police said the heavy wind forced pilgrims on the summit to remain stationary for several hours without descending, while those ascending had to stay put at Nallathanny without proceeding.

Roofing sheets of nearly 20 linerooms in Great Western Estate were also blown off but there were no casualties reported. Nuwara Eliya GA D G G Kumarasiri said steps have been taken to provide assistance to people affected by the gale.

Situation in Talawakelle Houses damaged by yesterday’s gale