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Open access to Yala shrine via Kataragama-Buttala Road: Jeep owners
Safari jeep drivers transporting pilgrims to Kabiliththa/Siyambalawe Devalya are calling on authorities to permit them to use the route via Galge off the Buttala-Kataragama Road to transport pilgrims to the Kabaliththa Devalaya where it is believed God Kataragama had taken abode.
Kuda Kabiliththa where devotees offer alms
Recently there has been an increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the Kabiliththa Devalaya in the Yala National Park to pay homage to God Kataragama who is believed to be living a life of meditation in the sanctuary.
The shrine is accessible via Moneragala through Kotiyagala which is around 200 km distant from Kataragama, while the other route through Galge off the Buttlal Kataragama Road, is approximately 120 km from Kataragama.
Presently access along the Buttala-Kataragama has been restricted, and travel along this road is allowed only with special permission from the Wild Life Department.
According to the safari drivers, there are around 25 safari jeeps operating in Kataragama with pilgrims being charged around Rs. 35,000/- for travel between Kataragama and Kebeliththa along the Moneragala route. Drivers say a jeep accommodates a maximum of 8 pilgrims, and it takes around 10 hours to reach the destination.
The jeep drivers point out the route via the Kataragama-Buttala Road cuts travel down to six hours. They also point out the fare too could be reduced to Rs 20,000/-.
A surprising feature of the pilgimage is that women are not permitted into the Devale. Only males are allowed into its precints.
Women are expected to stay away while men prepare food on the bank of the Menik Ganga for the poojas. Pilgrims coming to the area are also expected to consume only vegetarian meals for three days prior to their visit to the shrine.A member of these jeep owners -Mr.D.C. Ranil- said that several families visiting the shrine depend on the jeep service to visit the shrine.
They call on the authorities to keep keep the Galge route open for the benefit of visiting pilgrims.