Declare Madu Church environs a war free zone

- Virakesari Editorial

(August 02, Colombo, Sri Lank Guardian) Since all matters are dealt with on the basis of politics and with political gain as the motive, issues have become difficult to handle. Hence, it has led to the hatred of the people. As far as this country is concerned every thing is politicized.

Meanwhile, Bishop of Mannar has stated that the August festival can be celebrated in the Madu church only if the army and the LTTE declare Madu Church environs as a war free zone. He has also requested that Madu Church August festival should not be politicized in any case.

He has also requested the government to give necessary protection to the people, who have been displaced and also to provide aid to them. Catholics and the Madu Church administrators have been consistently and persistently requesting all parties to declare the Madu Church environs as a war free zone. They have made this request to ensure the safety of the people. .

Unfortunately statue, too, has been displaced with the people due to the military efforts. It was kept in the Devanpitty St.Sabastian Church. Unfortunately following heavy shell attacks towards Devanpitty area, the Statue was taken hurriedly to the residence of the Bishop of Mannar through the Omanthai check point.

It is the request of the Bishop of Mannar that if the Statue has to be taken back to the Madu Church and the festival is to be celebrated then both sides should declare Madu Church environs as a war free zone.

It is the general view of all that by declaring this area as a war free zone, all sides can ensure that the August festival can be celebrated grandly.

(An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo)
- Sri Lanka Guardian