President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that it is unfair to arrest and fine pilgrims on their way to sacred sites like the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar and Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak).
The President instructed that if pilgrims are arrested in the future, the President’s Office should be informed immediately.
“The road to Madhu Church serves pilgrims, as does the road to Sri Pada for those visiting Sri Pada. It is unfair to arrest and impose a fine of Rs 300,000 on the church,” he said.
The President directed the Sri Lanka Army to clean and develop both sides of the existing Madhu Road for the convenience of the pilgrims visiting Madhu Church.
“Representatives from the Diocese of Mannar, Forest Conservation Department, Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Police, and Army should collaborate to clean and develop this road,” he said.
He also coordinated with a representative of the Bishop of Mannar, the Department of Forest Conservation, the Road Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka Police to ensure these tasks are completed before the upcoming annual festival of the church of Our Lady of Madhu.
President Wickremesinghe further announced that pilgrims to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar will be provided with all necessary facilities to engage in their pilgrimage activities without any hindrance.
He added that the lost development will be restored to the Mannar district, with the program starting this year.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued the instructions while addressing the Mannar District Development Committee meeting held on Sunday (June 16) at the Mannar District Secretariat. (Newswire)
