30.7.2008

Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni (SFHQ-W) on Tuesday (July 29), following directives given by Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, formally requested Mannar Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph to resume the custody of the most sacred Madu Shrine on total completion of Army repairs and renovation.

Rt Rev Dr Rayappu Joseph who used the Madu Road for the first time to reach the holy Madu Shrine today (July 29) after it was cleared of terrorists and their explosive devises was conducted to the Shrine premises by Major General Jayasuriya where His Lordship had a tour of close inspection of the inner chambers and surrounding premises. The holy Shrine area fell to the Army hands in April, this year.

The Army Engineer troops, consequent upon instructions from Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, undertook the challenge of repairs to the holy church at a cost of Rs1.5 million, allocated from the Army budget. Last Tuesday (July 22) the holy 'Our Lady of Madu' was brought back to the Mannar Bishop House after an informal discussion Major General Jagath Jayasuriya has had with Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph on 21 July.

Wanni Commander also pointed out that Army Engineer troops have by now de-mined and cleared one square km of land surrounding the Shrine of landmines, booby traps and other explosives, left buried by LTTE terrorists when they retreated after inflicting damages on the church building some months back. Major General Jayasuriya also gave an assurance to the Bishop that his troops would not serve in the reserve area to the premises in uniforms or with arms once the holy statue is returned and feast organized.

Rt Rev. Dr Rayappu Joseph, pleased with the speedy renovation of the premises, in turn has expressed the hope that the holy statue could be consecrated again in the near future after sending a team of Catholic priests in advance to the venue for prior administrative work. Mannar Bishop after extending his greetings to the Security Forces has told that the precincts appear to be conducive to conduct of routine religious services in accordance with the traditions.