Speaking to Asian Mirror, SL Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasooriya said those who obtain ‘temporary visa’ from the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai can visit Karchateevu for the annual festival.

Unlike last year, when more than 30 journalists from the print and television media were taken along with other pilgrims, the Lankan navy made it clear this time that only those who had obtained ‘visa’ would be permitted to visit the island and cover the festival, scheduled for March 15 and 16, Indian media reported.

Sri Lankan Navy reiterated that Indian journalists have to respect immigration and emigration laws of Sri Lanka.