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SLN spearheads final arrangements for Kachchativu’s annual St. Anthony’s Feast
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Final arrangements were under way last night to accommodate some 5,000 Indians due to arrive on Kachchativu island to participate in the annual Roman Catholic Feast of St. Anthony today, officials said. They said that, as in previous years, the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), along with local church and other officials, will coordinate arrangements.
The Indians, mainly from Tamil Nadu, began arriving at the Island from yesterday afternoon, along with local pilgrims mainly from the country’s northern coast, officials said. According to the officials, the SLN has made all necessary arrangements to provide food, fresh water, sanitary facilities etc to the pilgrims, free of charge. The pilgrims are expected to leave the island by noon today at the conclusion of the high mass, they said.
Among the high ranking officials and church representatives participating at the event are Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. General Day Pereira, Jaffna Government Agent Sundaram Arumainayagam, Jaffna Bishop Thomas Saunderanayagam and Delft Island Parish Priest Rev Fr Amalaraj. The SLN also provided facilities for the local media, both electronic and print, to cover the event. -(LB)