No clashes during Madhu festive season

The Security Forces and the LTTE have made written statements to the Bishop of Mannar, the Rt.Rev.Rayappu Joseph to refrain from fighting during the Madhu festive season which begins tomorrow and continues till August 17.

Bishop Rayappu Joseph told the Sunday Observer that it was a month ago that both sides agreed to avoid fighting during the festive season. However, the Ministry of Defence and the LTTE hierachy in Kilinochchi have made written statements this week to avoid clashes in the precincts of the Madhu shrine.

Following the decision by the two sides to cease fighting pilgrims arriving from the South to the shrine could now make their journey via the 12 km route from Parayanalankulam junction in Vavuniya, according to the Bishop. He also said that the Bishop of Galle, the Rt. Rev. Harold Anthony and the Bishop of Anuradhapura, the Rt.Rev.Norbert Andradi would also join him during the festive season.

"It was important to note that following the signing of the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA), more than five-hundred thousand pilgrims had arrived from the South for the festival during the past four years. However, all arrangements have been made to accommodate the pilgrims who arrive at the 450-year-old Catholic shrine and let us pray for peace and harmony during the festive season," Bishop Rayappu Joseph said.

(http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/08/05/sec02.asp)