News Padayatra reaches Madhu Church

The 12-day padayatra, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Upcountry Tamils of Indian Origin, reached Madhu Church and observed 2 August  as a rest day.

The padayatra commenced on 28 July from St. Lawrence Church in Talaimannar and the people walked 26km to reach Murunkan. On 1 August, they continued their journey towards Madhu Church.

At Murunkan, the participants gathered to demand equal treatment and land rights for the Upcountry Tamils. They emphasised the need to execute the ten demands presented to the regional plantation companies.

Today, 3 August, the padayatra will resume from Madhu Church proceeding 23km to reach St. Anthony’s Church in Cheddikulam. On 4 August, another 26km padayatra will lead them to Medawachchiya.

A rest day is scheduled for 5 August, and on 6 August, the participants will walk 22km to reach Mihintale. From there, they will embark on another 18km journey to reach Thirappane, Anuradhapura, and then continue to Kekirawa.

From Kekirawa, another 22km will bring them to the Dambulla Golden Temple, where they will rest. On 11  August, they will resume the padayatra for another 22km from Dambulla and on 12 August they will reach Matale, where the padayatra will conclude.