Maximum 50 participants in Katina Perahera: Health Ministry

• The new health guidelines were issued by the Health Services Director General    
• A minimum of 50 devotees will be allowed during Katina Chivara Pooja, noon alms and religious sermons

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

The Health Minisry has issued a circular while amending the maximum participation ceiling when conducting the Katina Perahera due to the ongoing of the COVID pandemic. 

The new health guidelines were issued by the Health Services Director General, Dr. Asela Gunawardane.  
Accordingly, the Katina Perahera was permitted to go ahead with the participation of a minimum of 50 or less devotees. A minimum of 50 devotees will be allowed during Katina Cheevara Pooja, noon alms and religious sermons.  

Earlier, the Buddhist Affairs Department issued a circular announcing that it would not grant permission to conduct Katina Perahera but could allow a maximum of 20 devotees during the religious observances.