Renovated Sebamalai Matha Church in Iranathivu vested in the ownership of the public
The renovated Sebamalai Matha Church on the Iranathivu island was vested in the ownership of the public on 27th October 2018. The renovation work which was undertaken by the Navy Civil Engineers, cost a sum of Rs. 1,117,543.15, allocated by the Sri Lanka Navy Buddhist Association.
The opening of the renovated church was presided over by the Bishop to the Diocese of Jaffna, Dr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam along with 6 Fathers and 6 Sisters. The occasion was also attended by 400 people of the region. Subsequently, a special mass was held to mark the reopening of the Sebamalai Matha Church.
Following the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe and guidance of the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Muditha Gamage the construction work of the church was carried out by the Navy Civil Engineers under the supervision of the Command Civil Engineering Officer, Lieutenant Commander (CE) N Alahapperuma.
Sri Lanka Navy took much interest in renovation of the Sebamalai Matha Church in a bid to strengthen the cordiality and reconciliation between the community on the Iranathivu island and the sea going arm. Besides, under the supervision of the Commanding Officer SLNS Buwaneka, Captain MH Jayadewa, the religious dignitaries and devotees who attended this religious event were treated with lunch as well.
This meritorious act of the Navy was praised by all devotees and religious dignitaries present on the occasion. According to the devotees, the recent church mass held to mark the renovation of the church turned out to be the grandest one after the mass that was held in 1992.
