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SLN, church reps prepare for Kachchativu feast
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Sri Lanka Navy Officers and representatives of the church inspect preparations for the conduct of the feast.
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Jaffna Bishop’s House this week made preparations for the annual St Anthony’s feast on Kachchativu Island.
The feast mass will be celebrated today at 6.30 a.m. at the newly constructed church in the island, Parish priest Rev Fr A. Jeyaranjan told the Sunday Times.
The SLN rebuilt the church on a request by Jaffna Vicar General Rev Fr P.J. Jebaratnam, to SLN Chief, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne in May 2016. The construction was completed in seven months.
SLN Spokesman Lt Cmdr Chaminda Walakuluge said they expect a large crowd by today morning. He said the SLN is providing facilities to both local and Indian devotees due to arrive.
“We have already completed setting up water facilities, sanitation and other facilities by Saturday morning,” he said .
He also said the SLN has become the facilitator to the event, and hence, taken responsibility to provide facilities and security.
The church built during 1900, is dedicated to St Anthony, considered to be the Patron Saint of fishermen.
The newly constructed church in the island