Army reopens Hatton–Sri Pada road after cyclone damage

By Ranjith Rajapaksa- Hatton

Colombo, January 7 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Army has completed the renovation of the Mahagiri Damba section of the Hatton–Sri Pada road, which was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, and reopened the route for pilgrims visiting Sri Pada.

The restoration work was carried out under the guidance of the Sri Pada Sthanadhipati, Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University, Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Sabaragamuwa Ratnapura Maha District, and Rajamaha Viharadhiswara of Pelmadulu Dagaba, Venerable Dharmakirthi Sri Tripitakacharya Sri Sumangala Rathanapala Dhammarakkhithabhidhana, together with Venerable Sri Dhammadinna Thera of Bengamuwe, with the aim of ensuring the safe passage of pilgrims.

As part of the renovation, the road has been restored to its original condition, and a new safety fence has been installed along the route to enhance the safety of devotees. The Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Navy also extended their support for the project.

With the completion of the repair work, pilgrims travelling to Sri Pada via the Hatton route will now be able to worship without any hindrance, said Venerable Sumana Jyothi Thero, who is in charge of Sri Pada Uda Maluwa.