Madhu shrine intact-fact-finding mission

A delegation that went on a fact finding mission to the Madhu Church said that the Shrine remained intact amidst fighting between the government and the LTTE.

The delegation comprised UNP parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, Chief Incumbent of the Nagadeepa Vihara Jaffna, Ven. Brahakmanawatte Seevali Nayake Thera, Rev. Fr. Alfred Alexander, a former superior of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and the chairman of the Civil Monitoring Committee on Abductions Siritunga Jayasuriya.

Fr. Alfred Alexander, one of the members of the delegation said that the main objective of their visit was to see the situation of the shrine. He said they met Mannar bishop Rev. Rayappu Joseph and he had said that LTTE had given an assurance that they would not disturb the calm of the Shrine.

Fr. Alfred said about 20 families had sought refuge in the Madhu Church. He said they had also met people in the area who had complained about the inability to fish and lack of food and medicines.

He said they had informed Mannar GA about the people’s grievances and he had promised to look into them.