Kataragama pilgrims inconvenienced

M.Nelson Piyaratne -Kataragama Gr.Cor.

Pilgrims visiting Kataragama sacred city are inconvenienced as there are no public transport facilities to other religious places such as Situlpawwa, Yundaganawa, Maligawila, Dematamalviharaya and Dambegoda which are within the radius of about 50 kilometres from Kataragama. Although many pilgrims hire private vehicles from Kataragama to reach these places, those of low income groups cannot afford to do so.

Due to lack of buses it is difficult to service new routes. Out of 71 buses only 40 are roadworthy, although some buses are lying idle due to minor repairs which are held up to lack of funds, a spokesman for the Kataragama CTB depot said.

The pilgrims appeal to the Transport Minister to launch a new bus service to other places of religious worship at Kataragama.