President speaks Mannar Development at Madu Feast — Melani Manel Perera

President speaks Mannar Development at Madu Feast

Attending the annual feast of Our Lady of Madhu Church on the 15th of August, President Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke about several development projects to develop the Mannar District in the near future. The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio Dr. Brian Udaigwe to Sri Lanka too attended the feast mass and said that religious leaders have a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country.

“It must be acknowledged that the annual feasts of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu are an integral part of our local culture. Therefore, considering this festival as a national event, the government bears the responsibility of safeguarding and supporting its continuation,” said President Wickremesinghe addressing hundred of thousand devotees of Our Lady of Madhu.

Speaking about the development of Mannar district, President Wickremesinghe said the inter-city express train service, between Talaimannar and Colombo, will be launched on 15 September with the aim of enhancing connectivity and to facilitate smoother travel between the two cities. He also announced plans to transform Mannar into an energy hub.  The Mannar region, where the National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is located, possesses abundant renewable energy resources. With access to solar, wind, and green energies, the Mannar District can be developed into an energy hub.

“We have also formulated plans to transform Pooneryn into an energy city. These development initiatives are designed to preserve this sacred land and its forests. I have instructed officials to seek advice and guidance from the clergy here during these development efforts.” he added.

The President also said that the inter-city express train service from Thalaimannar to Colombo, which is to be started on September 15, will be launched as per the request of Member of Parliament Mr. Charles Nirmalanathan, and in addition, steps have been taken to establish a sugar factory in Vavuniya as per the request of Member of Parliament Selvam Adekkalanathan.

“Cabinet approval has been obtained for this project. These measures aim to facilitate rapid development in these regions. Through these endeavors, we aspire to build a developed Sri Lanka by 2048. I count on your support in achieving this goal.” he said.

The President also appraisingly said that “Numerous devotees come here to seek solace through prayers to Lady Madhu. During last year’s economic crisis, a substantial number of devotees gathered here to pray for Lady Madhu’s assistance and protection. It can be said that Lady Madhu’s blessings provided us with strength during that challenging time.”

The year 2024 marks the completion of 100 years since the enshrinement of the revered statue of Lady Madhu. The church management board has decided to hold services throughout the year to commemorate this occasion.

The feast mass was presided over by Bishop Emanuel Fernando the Bishop of the Diocese of Mannar together with  Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, and Bishops of Galle and Anuradhapura and the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Bishop Maxwell Silva, and a big number of Priests from nearby parishes.

Nuncio Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, who attended the main service, commended President Wickremesinghe’s statement in Parliament regarding National Peace and Reconciliation. He mentioned that this statement has received the blessings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.

Nuncio Udaigwe emphasized that religious leaders have a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country. He also stressed that whether a religious figure divides or unites the country is determined by their own actions.

The event was also attended by the President of the Christian Development Foundation of Sri Lanka Dr. Chandru Fernando, Minister of Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister Naleen Fernando, State Minister Arundika Fernando, Kader Mastan, Member of Parliament Kavinda Jayawardene, Selvam Adekkalanathan, Charles Nirmalanathan, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, and a large number of devotees.

END.