With the invitation of the Okanda Panama Pada Yathra Committee, more than 230 Sewalanka staff from across the island joined the July Pada Yatra pilgrimage which reached Kataragama in time for the start of the Esala festival in July.

Men and women representing diverse age groups, races and religions united at Okanda to walk the final 120 kilometers of the important event, together with pilgrims.

From Okanda, the group proceeded through Yala East National Park to the southern holy city, Kataragama – a destination for devotees of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. According to an old vetran pilgram, it was here that the god Kataragama, also known as Skanda, settled after a battle against the enemies of the gods.

The annual pilgrimage sees devotees follow the same coastal route which it is said Kataragama travelled. Pilgrims stop to pray at holy sites along the way, including the location where, according to legend, Lord Kataragama met his second wife, Valli Amma, a member of the Sri Lankan Vedda community.

Sewalanka joined the last five days of the pilgrimage which started in the far north of the island at the Jaffna peninsula. Throughout the journey, staff members walked, talked, shared meals, chanted and prayed together.

Sewalanka Foundation Chairman Mr Harsha Kumara Navaratne who participated for the fourth year in a row said that the annual pilgrimage had become an important event for the organisation ánd demonstrates our commitment to peaceful coexistence and positive social change.

“The Pada Yatra pilgrimage is a way for our staff members to bond, to reflect, to worship and to be at one with the environment,” Mr Navaratne said.

“When we are on the pilgrimage we’re a family of 230 members. Everyone takes care of each other; we call each other brother and sister; we look after our elders and the younger children.

“A significant portion of the Sewalanka participants are youngsters who have lived their entire life in a divided society. When we walk the Pada Yatra, we are one family without segregation or boundaries.

“It is very important even as a small group to live together, eat together and to share each other’s pain and each other’s happiness. The Pada Yatra allows members of the organisation to live side-by-side for five days.

“I thank all staff who participated and hope that when they go back to their communities and their workplace, their family, friends and colleagues see a little change in the way that they work and live. It is my hope that this experience, which cuts through many social divides, has made a difference. 

“I am also sincerely grateful to the senior staff who made the 2007 pilgrimage possible. They saw that everyone was fed and that issues were smoothly solved. They did a great job and all that we have gained on the Pada Yatra is thanks to these committed individuals.” he concluded.

What the participants had to say:

Since beginning work in the Galle office of Sewalanka I have been thinking about the connection between myself and the environment. While walking the Pada Yatra I felt it – the sun, the shade, the importance of trees and water – and I came to understand and appreciate how important these things are in my life.

Chatu Sandik Galle office

Throughout the five-day pilgrimage I felt something very powerful. At work I talk about targets and projects with my colleagues – we never share our feelings or get to know about each other on a personal level. On this pilgrimage I learnt about their feelings and really bonded with my coworkers.

Gammini Trincomalee office

I am proud to have walked the Pada Yatra with Sewalanka. The word peace is a joke for most people in this country but I realised through the pilgrimage that we can live together as a family. I am now hopeful that we can introduce this feeling of unity to our village and our families.

Namal Trincomalee office

I am from Batticaloa, this is my second walk.  The first time I made a request to the Kataragama God and it happened.  If my request this year is successful, I will walk next year without shoes.

Nanthu Batticaloa office

I am proud of the Sewalanka organisation and happy that people from all districts are able to participate. Higher powers are pushing us [forward] when we chant and make noise as we walk through the forest. Today I saw a Singhalese boy singing a Tamil song and this made me happy.

Ladan ADRA

Thanks to the Sewalanka Foundation Chairman and the Batticaloa Director for giving the boys from the Hari Children’s Home the opportunity to join the group. At first people scared me saying I wouldn’t be able to take care of all the children on the walk, but the Sewalanka staff really did provide so much support. Last year when we walked five children got sick, this year only one got sick. We are getting closer to god every time we do the pilgrimage.

Mr S Chandrakumar Teacher, Hari Children’s Home

This is the second time I have participated in the Pada Yatra. Last year when I walked I was ill and took painkillers. This time I took it more seriously – I am controlling my mind and not taking tablets. I ask the Kataragama lord to bring peace to this country.

Staff member Sewalanka Batticaloa