Sri Lanka, March 6 -- A boat carrying devotees from Jaffna to Palaitheevu Island for a religious festival capsized shortly after departure on Friday, leaving two people dead while several others who fell into the sea were rescued and admitted to hospital.

The boat had left the Kurunagar area in Jaffna carrying devotees travelling to attend the annual feast of St. Anthony's Church Palaitheevu.

According to reports, the vessel capsized just a few minutes after beginning its journey.

The bodies of the two victims have been handed over to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

The annual festival at the church began yesterday with the flag-hoisting ceremony, while the main festival mass is scheduled to be held tomorrow.

Meanwhile, rescue operatio...