St. Anthony facilitates Indo-lanka harmony on Kachchativu

After a near two-hour journey by a Dvora – a fast patrol boat, and another short distance in a smaller boat, media personnel reached Kachchathivu island situated between India and Sri Lanka.

Some 5,000 devotees, from India and Sri Lanka, had gathered to celebrate the annual feast of St Anthony on this uninhabited island, which comes alive once a year for the ceremony.

Many of the Indians had arrived on the island the previous day and put up tents. Generators were installed overnight to provide electricity, while water and other facilities were provided by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Jetties were assembled, enabling devotees to secure their boats, while the Navy’s lifesaving and medical teams were deployed to ensure the safety of those attending the festival.

The main service was conducted by Rev. Fr. Justin Gnanaprakasam.

Locals were seen trading jaggery, fancy goods and soap with the Indians who had brought sarees and sarongs. Transactions were in both Indian and local currency.

Ahead of the feast, Minister of Traditional Industries, Douglas Devananda visited the island on Saturday night, to discuss with representatives of both, Indian and Lankan fisheries associations, about the current issues facing them.

Despite the frequent incidents involving Indian fishermen and local fishermen and allegations of Sri Lanka Navy attacks on Indian fishermen, the annual feast provided another opportunity for Indian and Lankan fishermen to interact, and help strengthen relations.