Hardships mount for 'Pada Yatra' pilgrims at Kumana

Over 10,000 devotees trekking towards the historic Kataragama sacred site on the traditional pilgrimage 'Pada Yathra' face severe difficulties at the Okanda Devalaya premises at Kumana entrance due to a complete lack of basic facilities.

The Kumana National Park entrance was scheduled to open on the morning of July 10 for the devotees staying at the Okanda Devalaya premises located near the entrance.

Our correspondent stated that even fundamental facilities, such as toilets and water, were not provided for the devotees at the location.

Devotees allege that 30 rupees per person was charged to use the toilets at the location. Despite the fee, the toilets lack water and therefore devotees were unable to use them. They have started going to the forest for their toilet needs, making them prone to wild animal attacks.

They also allege that no official from the Pradeshiya Sabha or any other responsible institution is present at the location to look into basic facilities where large crowds gather in this season.