Catholic Church against converting Kachchatheevu island as tourist destination

5 September 2025 06:50 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 22 Bookmark

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Colombo, Sept. 5 (Daily Mirror) - Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam voiced his opposition on behalf of the diocese against the government's move to covert Kachchatheevu Island into a touriist destination.

"The island is a place of worship frequently visited by both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. It will be an insult to the religion," the Bishop told the media in Jaffna.

Comments - 22

Gx Friday, 05 September 2025 07:19 PM

Every action in srilanka has a reaction...

2 52

Paul Saturday, 06 September 2025 07:39 AM

Katchatheevu is a small island spread over an area of around 285 acres. It would be best to promote spiritual devotees Tourism and not a commercial purpose

5 10

JapanJapara Friday, 05 September 2025 07:28 PM

Frankly, agreed. Our answer to everything cannot be tourism.

53 52

Shera Saturday, 06 September 2025 07:07 AM

Very true.

3 6

Steve Friday, 05 September 2025 08:57 PM

The only tourists who would visit there are already visiting there (i.e. the Indian and Sri Lankan Catholic pilgrims). The westerners and the other Asian tourists who tour Sri Lanka are not having even the more famous Christian sites in their tour programs. This is just some shallow talk of the government without knowing facts and depth of what they talk and without any plan of what to do, as in all other matters.

25 60

Danny Friday, 05 September 2025 09:08 PM

It doesn’t even have enough space and fresh water. Instead develop Kayts ana Delft!

4 54

Keen Observer Saturday, 06 September 2025 01:52 AM

Lot of tourists go to Nallur, Anuradhapura and Nagadeepa and I don’t hear anyone complaining. I don’t think the island should have 5 star hotels but the island should be opened up for more visitors belonging to all communities and religions whether they are local or foreign. The presence of Sri Lanka needs to be established here and the island developed.

2 8

Cardinal rule the roost Friday, 05 September 2025 10:48 PM

Now every action of our nation has to be approved by his Majesty. What a limp NPP goverbnment is this?

1 5

Curious Friday, 05 September 2025 10:52 PM

Does that mean no chabad houses? Construction of these, seem to precede certain tourists!

0 3

FredSnR Saturday, 06 September 2025 12:41 AM

Develop Trincomalee instead.

0 5

Ara Saturday, 06 September 2025 01:07 AM

Tourism is not the answer to Sri Lanka's problem, if we want to develop we need to manufacture and provide services

1 7

ding ding ding Saturday, 06 September 2025 03:01 AM

As per the Island handover Contract/Agreement, Sri lanka Government has to get India's Consent to erect any building in this Island

1 4

DOT Saturday, 06 September 2025 04:49 AM

Why not? A good move!

2 8

Citizen Saturday, 06 September 2025 05:00 AM

Are we this desperate for tourists? Tourism is not the answer to every problem we have! The Bishop is absolutely right, hope the Cardinal will support him!

6 3

Realistica Adams Saturday, 06 September 2025 08:03 AM

Anyone can express their views in a democracy. The authorities should follow due process including stakeholder consultation and carry out their plans to develop the country. Tourism does not mean only foreigners, there are many local tourists too, who spend their money and contribute to those local economies.

0 5

Kays Saturday, 06 September 2025 09:28 AM

Isn't the Vatican a tourist destination too, despite being a highly venerated place of worship?

0 21

Jude Saturday, 06 September 2025 05:12 PM

World heritage.

0 0

victor Saturday, 06 September 2025 09:37 AM

We also have to develop this place and show more interest to keep the Indian government out. Please don’t underestimate our neighbour. Get the resources needed there so we can keep our feet there.

1 10

Nimal R Saturday, 06 September 2025 09:45 AM

Why would tourists go there anyway other than those who visit that church? This government doesn't have any common sense on projects it should focus on.

3 6

Mohan Somasundaram Saturday, 06 September 2025 10:32 AM

It's time for religious organizations to focus on their spiritual responsibilities and step back from political involvement. Let politicians handle governance while religious groups concentrate on their faith and community services.

1 12

Dr. Dee esquire Saturday, 06 September 2025 01:58 PM

Wonder who is the best at ‘converting’ ?

0 3

Umash Sunday, 07 September 2025 02:08 PM

where is the money earned from tourism ( dollars ) gone dollar to SR is very high

0 0

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