NewsThe Cabinet of ministers approved a proposal presented by President Maithripala Sirisena to declare the Holy Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar as a sacred area yesterday, Government Information department said. The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is a much respected sacred place for the Catholics and Catholics as well as Buddhists and Hindus flock to the holy shrine to pay homage. Madhu Shrine becomes the first Catholic Shrine to be declared a Sacred Area in the country. For more than two decades, in the midst of the conflict and mass displacement, Madhu Shrine also served as a place of refuge for all affected people. Madhu Shrine has been recognised locally and internationally as a “safe haven” and “place of refuge” for people fleeing in the face of war and destruction.

Source: Sunday Times August 01, 2018 09:00 UTC