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A symbol of unity

Throughout the 30 years of the brutal terror campaign by the LTTE, the venerated Madhu Church stood majestically in the Mannar conflict zone. When terrorists gained control of the area from time to time, Catholics around the world prayed for the safety of the Church and its Our Lady of Madhu Statue. Many devotees visited the Church even amidst the conflict. Indeed, it was venerated by people from communities and religious groups.

The LTTE shamefully used the Church environs to launch attacks on the Security Forces. They had constructed bunkers and placed hundreds of landmines in the vicinity although Madhu was designated as a demilitarized zone. Some of LTTE's activities caused damage to the Church itself. Fortunately, the Church administrators had conveyed the Our Lady of Madhu Statue to another location.

Thus the liberation of the Madhu Church area by the Security Forces was a significant milestone in the battle against terrorism. The Forces lost no time in renovating the Church in collaboration with the Church authorities. The landmines were also removed.

In the days before the conflict, over a million devotees would throng the Church for the annual festival on August 15. The day is spiritually important for Catholics, being one of the most hallowed days celebrating the day of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. This year's feast is very significant because it is the first time devotees will be paying homage to the shrine after the elimination of terrorism from our land. The Madhu Church will reaffirm its status as a sacred symbol that unites all Sri Lankans.

With August 15 only days away, the Government is making all efforts to ensure a smooth trip and facilities for the estimated 400,000 Madhu pilgrims including Sri Lankan expatriates. The Uthuru Vasanthhaya (Northern Spring) Task Force in collaboration with the Security Forces and police has made elaborate arrangements to provide these facilities. The 12 km access road is being renovated and the Church too is being spruced up.

All Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity or religion, venerate Nagadeepa, Nallur Kovil and the Madhu Church, the three main places of worship in the North. The Nallur festival has attracted devotees from all over the world. All facilities must be provided to pilgrims visiting these sacred sites. Other affected places of worship in the North (and the East) must also be renovated. They offered all Lankans a glimmer of hope during the war and in peacetime, they will lay the foundation for amity and reconciliation.


Wiles of vile industries

The Government envisions a country free of tobacco and alcohol abuse by 2015. This is the aim of the laudable Mathata Thitha (Full Stop to Tobacco and Alcohol use) program, one of the main planks of the Mahinda Chinthana. New anti-tobacco/alcohol laws were passed a couple of years ago to achieve these goals enunciated in the Mahinda Chinthanaya.

These laws, aimed especially at saving the young generation from the twin evils of tobacco and alcohol abuse, have been very effective. The consumption of alcohol and tobacco has indeed decreased and even the local production of cigarettes has witnessed a decline. This is a considerable achievement, considering that the laws have been in effect only for around two years.

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), a Government-appointed body, is doing a yeoman service in this regard. Headed by Prof. Carlo Fonseka, a vocal opponent of tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, it is spearheading a drive against these social evils along with several other Government and Non-Governmental Organisations.

However, there are those who will flout any laws, especially if money is involved. These are multi-billion rupee industries and the manufacturers, fearing a loss of revenue, do resort to various tactics to increase their customer base. One such incident was highlighted yesterday by Prof. Fonseka himself. NATA officials had witnessed a group distributing cigarettes free of charge to passers-by in front of a reputed restaurant in Colombo.

The authorities should close any loopholes in existing laws which enable tobacco and alcohol companies to try new ways to entice youth. New laws should be drafted if deemed necessary.

Those who violate the laws should be punished severely. Only such an approach will help realize the noble goals of the Mathata Thitha program.

Central Province on the path of development:

A new era ahead

The following interview with Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake relates to the work commenced during his previous term and new projects outlined to develop the Province.

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Grim picture under scrutiny

Russia calls upon unbiased assessment of reasons that led to WW II:

The Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the beginning of World War II, calls upon the world community for fair and unbiased assessment of the reasons for and implications of that historic event.

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A 30-year success story of Sri Lanka Ports Authority

Today (August 1) marks Sri Lanka Ports Authority's (SLPA) 30th year. As a member of the pioneer team it is with a deep sense of satisfaction that I trace the chequered history of this unique organization.

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