The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Peter Hayes made an official tour to Mannar district recently; his first visit since the UK lifted all travel restrictions to Sri Lanka on 29 July.

“I was very pleased to visit to the Mannar district. Historically, the area has earned a place of importance because of its natural harbour, and religious and cultural sites – like the Madhu church and the Thirukeetheswaram temple, both of which I enjoyed visiting – have made it even more significant,'' said the British High Commissioner.

It was also good to see what steps are being taken to preserve past splendour and go forward with resettlement and de-mining activities, making it a safe place for habitation, he said.

Dr. Hayes met with key government officials of the area and visited several sites of historic, religious and cultural importance.

Among the main highlights of his tour were visits to the Seguwantivu windmill power project in Puttalam; the archaeological site of ‘The Doric’ – house of the first British Governor of Ceylon – and the Arippu Fort with officials from the Archaeological Department; the Thirukeetheswaram Hindu temple and Manthai ancient harbour; and the church of Our Lady of Madhu.

Keeping in mind Mannar’s importance in the resettlement and reconciliation process of the country, the High Commissioner also visited Sinnapandivirichchan in the company of UNHCR officials, where de-mining is complete and resettlement has taken place; Periyapandivirichchan, where Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is carrying out de-mining, funded by the UK; and the beneficiaries of the Livelihood Project of Muslim Aid (MA) in Andankulam.

Dr. Hayes also visited the Wilpattu National Park on Wednesday, 11 August – the first visit to Wilpattu by a senior diplomat after the end of the war. The key attractions of his Wilpattu excursion included Kuweni’s Palace, Thambapanni (King Vijaya’s first landing place) and Kudiramalai point (Horse Mountain).

He added, “I also thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Wilpattu National Park – Sri Lanka’s largest nature and wildlife reserve – a first for me. I am very glad that areas of the park have been cleared for excursions by nature lovers, as visiting a valuable place like this and experiencing its natural beauty can make an important contribution to conservation and education.”