Registration required for those undertaking Sri Pada pilgrimage

• New COVID-related rules in place for ongoing 2020/2021 season
• Elders discouraged from travelling

Those who wish to undertake the pilgrimage to Sri Pada this season are required to register the pilgrims’ group with the relevant Divisional Secretariat.

They are also required to carry two copies of the certificate of registration with them when they travel, District Secretary/Government Agent of Rathnapura Malini Lokupothgama has directed.

One copy is to be kept with the travellers while the other is to be produced to inspectors at check points at Nallathanniya, Warangala and Palabaddala prior at the start of the journey. Several new measures have been imposed for the Sri Pada pilgrimage season for 2020/2021 due to COVID-19 with wearing face masks, keeping distance, and following proper health guidelines while on pilgrimage are all mandatory. The season began yesterday with Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day.

Elders are discouraged from undertaking the pilgrimage while worshippers are not permitted to stay in the Sri Pada compound once they complete their religious observances.

Hawkers are not allowed to sell anything within the Sri Pada compound area and rest room premises due to prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation, the District Secretary said in a Gazette notification.