Vedda community leader Uruwarige Vannilattho left Sri Lanka today (25) for a pilgrimage to Dambadiva, India, marking his first such journey since assuming leadership of the community.

Vannilattho was accompanied by his security officer, translator and youngest son, Uruwarige Kalu Bandiya.He had previously undertaken a pilgrimage to Dambadiva about 20 years ago, before becoming the community leader.

The pilgrimage was organized by a private pilgrimage tour company, which invited Vannilattho and his group to join the journey scheduled from August 25 to September 6.The group carried offerings including honey and flowers. Before departure, they also purchased an eco-friendly cloth shoulder bag featuring images of wild animals at a shop at Bandaranaike International Airport.

A total of 50 pilgrims, including Vannilattho’s group, departed for New Delhi on SriLankan Airlines flight UL195 at 2.10 p.m. today.