The Government has pledged to address concerns raised by the Catholic Church over the controversial Katchatheevu tourism project, while reiterating its commitment to move forward with development plans.
Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake assured that no initiative would proceed in a manner that disregards the island’s religious significance. He stressed that the views of the Catholic community, which regards St. Antony’s Shrine as a sacred pilgrimage site, would be fully respected.
“The Government will not implement any project that undermines the sanctity of Katchatheevu,” Dissanayake said, adding that the Presidential Secretariat is directly overseeing the initiative to ensure stakeholder concerns are considered.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo described the project as a “comprehensive vision” to uplift the northern region through enhanced connectivity and religious tourism, while affirming that feasibility and impact studies were underway.
The Jaffna Diocese, however, has strongly opposed the plan, warning that transforming the island into a tourist hub would “insult religion.” Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam stressed that Katchatheevu must remain a place of pilgrimage, not entertainment.
Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar confirmed that proposals include linking Neduntheevu (Delft) with Katchatheevu to boost regional tourism. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during a recent visit, maintained that economic development would not come at the expense of territorial integrity or religious sanctity.
