“Role of weapons has no place in sacred places.”

(April 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Security forces have stated that they had freed the Madhu Shrine from the grip of Tigers, on consistent offensives launched. It’s to the happiness of the people that the Madhu Shrine has been freed without any damages to the sacred place by way of military onslaughts. We share that happiness with the people, moderate Tamil political party the EPDP said in a statement.

Role of weapons has no place in sacred places. Madhu Shrine has been freed from the ugly hands of gun toting Tigers. Nevertheless it needs to be made a place where people could get engaged in their religious activities freely and safely without any fear of any one.

Despite continuous and consistent Military activities people of all ethnic denominations freely partake in religious functions of the “Thiruketheeshwar Kovil” in Mannar which is under the full control of the Army that provide necessary Security as well as conducive environment for performance of religious activities. This act of theirs needs to be appreciated without any reservation. Similarly, the security forces have made conducive environments in all the religious Institutions for people to attend to their religious activities in the areas under their control. Therefore it’s imperative that the security forces take necessary steps to create an environment for people to worship at the Madhu Shrine that they freed just a few days ago from the clutches of Tigers and at the same time provide security to the visiting devotees. Our Secretary General, Douglas Devananda has spoken at length with His Excellency the President in this regard.

In the mean time, Tigers have seen to the fact that the statue of Mother Mary has been removed from the Madhu Shrine against the wish of the people. It’s a highly condemnable act that tantamounts to thorough disregard for religious feelings.

Tigers without any loss of time should hand over the statue of Mother Mary to the Parish Priest of the Madhu Shrine. Bishops, other religious dignitaries, Humanitarian organizations, et al should force the Tiger Leadership to return the Mother Mary’s statue to the Madhu Shrine. It’s their responsibility.

We earnestly request doing away with prohibitions imposed on religious beliefs and respect religious feelings of all the people.
- Sri Lanka Guardian