The government has relaxed restrictions on Tamil Nadu fishermen and granted permission for them to visit the Kachchativu Island on March 19 and 20 for the annual St. Anthony’s Church religious festival, although laws regarding fishing in Sri Lankan waters will remain.

Thousands of Indian pilgrims as well as Sri Lankan Catholics are due to attend the feast of the holy shrine.

Fishing communities from Tamil Nadu reportedly take a four hour boat ride to visit the Kachchativu Island annually to participate in the religious celebrations.

India ceded the Kachchativu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 although devotees from India continued to attend the festivities of the St. Anthony's Church which was established in 1905. The practice was interrupted during the three-decade long conflict during which public was not allowed to visit the island due to security situation.