News
Palaly Kovil reopens for pooja after 34 years
By Dinasena Rathugamage
The Sri Rajeshwari Amman Kovil, freed from the Palaly High-Security Zone in Jaffna after 34 years, conducted its first religious ceremony on Wednesday evening (4). It was attended by Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayagam, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe, amidst a large gathering.
The temple premises were released as part of the government’s initiative to return lands in the Northern Province for civilian use. With the release of land in the Palaly area, the temple grounds were also made accessible to the public.
In response to an invitation from the temple’s caretaker priest, several military personnel and government officials from Jaffna took part in the inaugural offering. The military provided assistance for the event.
Henceforth, residents of the Palaly region in Jaffna will have unrestricted access to the temple for worship. The temple is now also open for the celebration of the Pongal festival.