Minister of Buddhasasana and Cultural Affairs, Professor Sunil Senavi, visited the Mannar District yesterday (26) in connection with World Tourism Day, touring several important tourist, historical and religious sites in the area.
During the visit, the Minister visited Madhu Church, the Thiruketheeswaram Temple, the Mathoddam Viharaya and the Kappaladi Mosque in Talaimannar. He also met with religious leaders at the respective sites and held discussions with them.
The religious leaders requested the Minister to take necessary measures to protect the historical heritage and the sanctity of religious sites in the Mannar District.
Responding to the requests, Minister Senavi said the Government would extend its fullest support to protect ancient historical monuments and the sanctity of religious places that have existed for generations.
He further stated that the Government would not allow divisions based on minority and majority communities, while assuring that there would be no room for racism to raise its head again in the country.
The Minister also visited the venue where the World Tourism Day celebrations were being held in Mannar. He witnessed a series of cultural performances and participated in the food festival organised as part of the celebrations.
The visit also focused on the development of Mannar’s tourism resources, the preservation of its historical and religious heritage, and the potential to further promote these sites as part of the district’s tourism sector.
Members of the National People’s Power (NPP) were also present during the Minister’s field visit.
Rohini Nishanthan
