The historic Madhu Church, formally known as the Shrine of our Lady of Madhu, in Mannar, was declared a sacred area by President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday (29), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
The President has presented the ‘Sannas Pathraya’ (letters patent) declaring the church and its grounds a sacred area to Bishop of Mannar Emmanuel Fernando at the Presidential Secretariat last afternoon.
Cabinet approval was given last year to a proposal to protect the Madhu church and its surrounding area and provide adequate facilities to those who visit the 400-year-old religious site.
The PMD said special development projects are being carried out to develop transport and road facilities in the area, improve water drainage systems and provide sanitation facilities to the pilgrims.
(Republic next)