Churches damaged/destroyed by Aerial bombing and shelling in the North of Sri Lanka
April 10th, 2008
Churches damaged/destroyed by Aerial bombing and shelling in the North of Island of Sri Lanka:
[Fully damaged = 93 Partially damaged =186 Minor Repair = 20]
Not all the Churches damaged and destroyed are included in this list. The real figure is higher.
Name of Church Parish Address A.G.A. Division Extent of the damage:
1.St. Liguri’s Church Chavakachcheri Parish Chavakachcheri Chavakachcheri Fully damaged
2.Our Lady of Lourdes Chavakachcheri Parish Madduvil Chavakachcheri Fully damaged
3.Atputha Matha Chavakachcheri Parish Navatkuli Chavakachcheri Partially damaged
4.St. Anthony’s Church Chavakachcheri Parish Kerathivu Road Chavakachcheri Partially damaged
5.Our Lady of Madhu Chavakachcheri Parish Navatkuli Chavakachcheri Partially damaged
6.St. Anthony’s Church Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Chunnakam Chunnakam Partially damaged
7.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Kulamangal Chunnakam Partially damaged
8.Our Lady of Miracles Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Mallakam Chunnakam Partially damaged
9.Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Mallakam Chunnakam Fully damaged
10.St. Isidore’s Church Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Erlalai Chunnakam Partially damaged
11.St. Theresa’s Church Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Sooravathai Chunnakam Partially damaged
12.Pius The Xth Chunnakam Erlalai Parish Kadduvan Chunnakam Fully damaged
13.St. John the Baptist Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
14.St. Xavier’s Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
15.St. James’ Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
16.St. Anthony’s Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
17.St. Thomas’ Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
18.St. Lawrence’s Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
19.St. Mary’s Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
20.Our Lady of Fatima Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
21.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
22.St. Anthony’s Church Delft Parish Delft Delft Minor Repair
23.St. Mary’s Cathedral Cathedral Parish P.O.Box : 2, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
24.St. Sebastian’s Church Cathedral Parish P.O.Box : 2, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
25.St. Roche’s Church Cathedral Parish P.O.Box : 2, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
26.Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral Parish P.O.Box : 2, Jaffna Jaffna Minor Repair
27.St. Hichola’s Church Navanthurai Parish Navanthurai Jaffna Partially damaged
28.St. Mary’s Church Navanthurai Parish Navanthurai Jaffna Partially damaged
29.St. Sebastian’s Church Navanthurai Parish Oddumadam Jaffna Partially damaged
30.Our Lady of Good Health Navanthurai Parish Anjananthalvu Jaffna Partially damaged
31.Our Lady of Holy Rosary Navanthurai Parish Chippithurai Jaffna Partially damaged
32.Our Lady of Refuge Church O.L.R.Parish 4th Cross Street, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
33.St. Anne’s Church Pandianthalvu Parish Pandianthalvu, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
34.Christ the King Church Pandianthalvu Parish Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
35.Our Lady of Fatima Pandianthalvu Parish Koiathoddam Jaffna Partially damaged
36.St. Anthony’s Church Passaiyoor Parish Passaiyoor Jaffna Fully damaged
37.Our Lady of Holy Rosary Passaiyoor Parish Colombuthurai Jaffna Partially damaged
38.St. Joseph’s Church Passaiyoor Parish Valanpuram Jaffna Partially damaged
39.Church of Holy Reedemer Passaiyoor Parish Manianthoddam Jaffna Fully damaged
40.St. James’ Church Passaiyoor Parish Vasanthapuram Jaffna Fully damaged
41.St. Sebastian’s Church Passaiyoor Parish Uthyapuram Jaffna Fully damaged
42.St. Sebastian’s Church Passaiyoor Parish Mannithali Jaffna Fully damaged
43.St. Antony’s Church Passaiyoor Parish Mandaikallaru Jaffna Fully damaged
44.Joseph Vaz Shrine Shrine Kottaddy Panna Jaffna Partially damaged
45.St. James’ Church St. James’ Parish Gurunagar, Jaffna Jaffna Fully damaged
46.Our Lady of Miracles St. James’ Parish Gurunagar, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
47.St. John the Baptist Church St. John’s Parish Hospital Rd, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
48.St. Theresa’s Church St. John’s Parish Chundikuly, Jaffna Jaffna Partially damaged
49.St. Joseph’s Church Vaddakachchi Parish Vaddakachchi Karachchi East Partially damaged
50.St. Roche’s Church Vaddakachchi Parish Ramanathapuram Karachchi East Partially damaged
51.St. Paul’s Church Vaddakachchi Parish Kalmadhu Karachchi East Partially damaged
52.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Vaddakachchi Parish Mumykulam Karachchi East Partially damaged
53.Our Lady of Madhu Vaddakachchi Parish Iranaimaddu Karachchi East Fully damaged
54.St. Antony’s Church Vaddakachchi Parish Navatkudhu Karachchi East Partially damaged
55.St. Anthony’s Church Karaveddy Parish Vathiri Karaveddy Partially damaged
56.St. Mary’s Church Karaveddy Parish Karaveddy Karaveddy Partially damaged
57.Our Lady of Perpetual Help Karaveddy Parish Thannalai Karaveddy Partially damaged
58.St. Sebastian’s Church Karaveddy Parish Valvettithurai Karaveddy Partially damaged
59.Holy Redeemer’s Church Karaveddy Parish Cidupiddy Karaveddy Partially damaged
60.Sacred Heart Church Karaveddy Parish Varani Karaveddy Partially damaged
61.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Karaveddy Parish Saraiaddi Karaveddy Partially damaged
62.St. Mary’s Church Kayts Parish Suruvil Road, Kayts Kayts Partially damaged
63.St. Antony’s Church Kayts Parish Suruvil Road, Kayts Kayts Partially damaged
64.St. James’ Church Kayts Parish Suruvil Road, Kayts Kayts Fully damaged
65.St. Joseph’s Church Kayts Parish Suruvil Road, Kayts Kayts Partially damaged
66.St. Thomas Church Kayts Parish Eluvaithivu Kayts Minor Repair
67.St. Antony’s Church Kayts Parish Nainathivu Kayts Minor Repair
68.Our Lady of Good Health Kayts Parish Analathivu Kayts Minor Repair
69.St. Theresa’s Church Kilinochchi Parish Kili Kilinochchi Fully damaged
70.Infant Jesus Kilinochchi Parish 54th Mile Post Kilinochchi Fully damaged
71.St. Sebastian’s Church Kilinochchi Parish Parathipuram Kilinochchi Fully damaged
72.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Kilinochchi Parish Viveknagar Kilinochchi Fully damaged
73.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Kilinochchi Parish Kanagapuram Kilinochchi Fully damaged
75.74.St. Mary’s Church Kilinochchi Parish Kanagapuram Kilinochchi Fully damaged
76.St. Antony’s Church Paranthan Parish Mullaithevu Road, Paran Kilinochchi Fully damaged
77.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Paranthan Parish Tharmapuram Kilinochchi Partially damaged
78.St. Antony’s Church Paranthan Parish Nallathannithoduvai Kilinochchi Partially damaged
79.Infant Jesus Paranthan Parish Visuvamadhu Kilinochchi Partially damaged
80.St. Sebastian’s Church Paranthan Parish Periyakulam Kilinochchi Partially damaged
81.Our Lady of Perpetual Help Paranthan Parish Mursamoddai Kilinochchi Fully damaged
82.St. Anne’s Church Paranthan Parish Elephant Pass Kilinochchi Fully damaged
83.St. Peter & Paul’s Church Paranthan Parish Visuvamadhu Kilinochchi Partially damaged
84.St. Mary’s Church Paranthan Parish Poonaithoduvai Kilinochchi Fully damaged
85.St. Mary’s Church Paranthan Parish Pepaipiddy Kilinochchi Partially damaged
86.Divine Mercy Paranthan Parish Peramathannaru Kilinochchi Partially damaged
87.Our Lady of Fatima’s Church Uruthirapuram Parish Uruthirapuram Kilinochchi Fully damaged
88.St. Anthony’s Church Uruthirapuram Parish Jayanthinagar Kilinochchi Fully damaged
89.St. Jude’s Church Uruthirapuram Parish Jayanthinagar Kilinochchi Fully damaged
90.St. Sebastian’s Church Uruthirapuram Parish Konavil Kilinochchi Partially damaged
91.St. Anthony’s Church Uruthirapuram Parish Unionkulam Kilinochchi Fully damaged
92.Christ the King Church Uruthirapuram Parish Oottupulam Kilinochchi Partially damaged
93.St. Joseph’s Church Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Atchuvely Kopay Partially damaged
94.St. Anthony’s Church Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Atchuvely Kopay Partially damaged
95.St. Rita’s Church Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Navakiri Kopay Partially damaged
96.Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Vasavilan Kopay Fully damaged
97.St. Mary’s Church Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Ottagapulam Kopay Fully damaged
98.St. James’ Church Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Palaly South Kopay Fully damaged
99.Holy Rosary Atchuvely/Palaly Parish Tholakatti Kopay Fully damaged
100.St. Anthony’s Church Manipay Parish Manipay Manipay Partially damaged
101.St. Anne’s Church Manipay Parish Manipay Manipay Partially damaged
102.Church of Holy Family Manipay Parish Malvam Manipay Partially damaged
103.Church of Holy Rosary Manipay Parish Uduvil Manipay Partially damaged
104.Church of Ascension Manipay Parish Madaththadi Manipay Partially damaged
105.St. Joseph’s Church Manipay Parish Aladi Uduvil Manipay Partially damaged
106.St. Anthony’s Church Thalaiyadi Parish Thalaiyadi Maruthankerni Fully damaged
107.St. Philip Neri’s Church Thalaiyadi Parish Champainpattu Maruthankerni Fully damaged
108.St. Anthony’s Church Thalaiyadi Parish Vettilaikerni Maruthankerni Fully damaged
109.St. Mary’s Church Thalaiyadi Parish Kattaikadu Maruthankerni Fully damaged
110.St. Mary’s Church Thalaiyadi Parish Kudarappu Maruthankerni Fully damaged
111.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Thalaiyadi Parish Nagarkovil Maruthankerni Fully damaged
112.St. Nicholas Mirusuvil Parish Mirusuvil Mirusuvil Partially damaged
113.St. Mary’s Church Mirusuvil Parish Killaly Mirusuvil Fully damaged
114.St. Anthony’s Church Mirusuvil Parish Killaly Mirusuvil Fully damaged
115.St. Michael’s Church Mirusuvil Parish Killaly Mirusuvil Fully damaged
116.St. Thomas Church Mirusuvil Parish Killaly Mirusuvil Fully damaged
117.St. James’ Church Mirusuvil Parish Killaly Mirusuvil Fully damaged
118.St. Anthony’s Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Alampil Mullaithivu Fully damaged
119.St. Jude’s Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Nayaru Mullaithivu Fully damaged
120.St. Antony’s Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Thanniyootu Mullaithivu Partially damaged
121.St. Joseph’s Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Kulamurippu Mullaithivu Partially damaged
122.St. Theresa’s Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Mulliyavalai Mullaithivu Fully damaged
123.Annai Vellarnkanni Alampil/Mullaithivu Alampil Mullaithivu Partially damaged
124.St. Anthony’s Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Kepapulovu Mullaithivu Partially damaged
125.Christ the King Church Alampil/Mullaithivu Oddusuddan Mullaithivu Fully damaged
126.St. Peter’s Church Mullaithivu Mullaithivu Mullaithivu Fully damaged
127.St. Mary’s Church Mullaithivu Mullaithivu Mullaithivu Fully damaged
128.St. Jude’s Church Mullaithivu Selvapuram Mullaithivu Fully damaged
129.St. Isidore’s Church Mullaithivu Silavathai Mullaithivu Fully damaged
130.St. Anne’s Church Mullaithivu Silavathai Mullaithivu Fully damaged
131.Our Lady of Lourdes Mullaithivu Vattapalai Mullaithivu Partially damaged
132.Infant Jesus Mullaithivu Uddupukulam Mullaithivu Partially damaged
133.Annai Vellarnkanni Mullaithivu Deogunagar Mullaithivu Partially damaged
134.Our Lady of Lourdes Mullaithivu Pandarakulam Mullaithivu Fully damaged
135.St. Joseph’s Church Mullaithivu Muthaiyankaddu Mullaithivu Fully damaged
136.St. Jude’s Church Ariyalai Parish Ariyalai, Jaffna Nallur Fully damaged
137.Our Lady of Valankanni Ariyalai Parish Ariyalai, Jaffna Nallur Fully damaged
138.St. Sebastian Church Ariyalai Parish Poompukar, Jaffna Nallur Fully damaged
139.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Kopay Parish Thirunelvely Nallur Partially damaged
140.St. Mary’s Church Kopay Parish Kopay South Nallur Partially damaged
141.St. Joseph’s Church Kopay Parish Kopay North Nallur Partially damaged
142.St. Paul’s Church Kopay Parish Kokuvil Nallur Fully damaged
143.St. Benedict’s Church St. Benedict’s Parish Kachcheri Nallur Rd, Jaf Nallur Fully damaged
144.Our Lady of Good Health Mugamalai Parish Mugamalai Palai Fully damaged
145.St. Peter & Paul’s Church Mugamalai Parish Pulopalai Palai Fully damaged
146.St. Mary’s Church Mugamalai Parish Palai Palai Fully damaged
147.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Mugamalai Parish Iyakachchi Palai Fully damaged
148.St. Anthony’s Church Mugamalai Parish Vannankulam Palai Fully damaged
149.St. Barbara’s Church Mugamalai Parish Ithavil Palai Palai Fully damaged
150.St. Sebastian’s Church Mugamalai Parish Puluveli Palai Fully damaged
151.Our Lady of Reparation Mugamalai Parish Palai Palai Fully damaged
152.St. Joseph’s Church Mugamalai Parish Eluthumadduval Palai Fully damaged
153.St. Mary’s Church Myliddy Parish Myliddy Palaly Fully damaged
154.St. Sebastian’s Church Myliddy Parish Palaly Palaly Fully damaged
155.Arokiamatha Myliddy Parish Palalythurai Palaly Fully damaged
156.St. Anthony’s Church Myliddy Parish Oorany K.K.S. Palaly Fully damaged
157.St. John the Baptist Church Myliddy Parish Veemankamam Palaly Fully damaged
158.St. Peter & Paul’s Myliddy Parish Tellipalai Palaly Fully damaged
159.St. Joseph’s Church Myliddy Parish Kankesanthurai-KKS Palaly Fully damaged
160.Church of Our Lady of Good V Myliddy Parish Kankesanthurai-KKS Palaly Fully damaged
161.St. Pius Church Myliddy Parish Tellipalai Palaly Fully damaged
162.St. Mary’s Church Myliddy Parish Mulavai, Myliddy Palaly Fully damaged
163.St. Thomas Church Point Pedro Parish Point Pedro Point Pedro Partially damaged
164.St. Anthony’s Church Point Pedro Parish Kaladdi Point Pedro Partially damaged
165.St. Mary’s Church Point Pedro Parish Thumpalai Point Pedro Partially damaged
166.Our Lady of Lourdes Point Pedro Parish Thumpalai Point Pedro Partially damaged
167.St. Joseph’s Church Point Pedro Parish Puloly South Point Pedro Partially damaged
168.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Point Pedro Parish Sakkodai Point Pedro Partially damaged
169.St. Anthony’s Church Point Pedro Parish Manatkaddu Point Pedro Partially damaged
170.St. Peter & Paul’s Church Point Pedro Parish Kudathanai Point Pedro Partially damaged
171.St. Sebastian’s Church Point Pedro Parish Katkovalam Point Pedro Partially damaged
172.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Point Pedro Parish Nadukudathanai Point Pedro Fully damaged
173.Church of Infant Jesus Point Pedro Parish Polikandy Point Pedro Partially damaged
174.St. Antony’s Church Jayapuram Jeyapuram Poonagari Partially damaged
St. Jude’s Church Jayapuram Raplaikadu Poonagari Partially damaged
175.R.C. Church Jayapuram Sekkalai Poonagari Partially damaged
176.Joseph Vaz Shrine Jayapuram Seemankundanu Poonagari Partially damaged
177.Sacred Heart Church Jayapuram Thapirai Poonagari Partially damaged
178.Our Lady of Refuge Church Jayapuram Poonagari Poonagari Fully damaged
179.Sacred Heart Church Jayapuram Annaivilunthanpalai Poonagari Partially damaged
180.R.C. Church Jayapuram Pallikudah Poonagari Partially damaged
181.St. Antony’s Church Jayapuram Kavtharimunai Poonagari Fully damaged
182.R.C. Church Jayapuram Nallur Poonagari Fully damaged
183.St. James’ Church Kumulamunai Nachchikudah Poonagari Partially damaged
184.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Kumulamunai Nachchikudah Poonagari Partially damaged
185.St. Anthony’s Church Kumulamunai Kumulamunai Poonagari Partially damaged
186.St. Thomas Church Kumulamunai Karadikundu Poonagari Partially damaged
187.St. Peter’s Church Kumulamunai Nochimunai Poonagari Partially damaged
188.Holy Sprit Church Kumulamunai Santhapuram Poonagari Partially damaged
189.Mulankavil Matha Church Mulankavil Mulankavil Poonagari Partially damaged
190.St. Antony’s Church Mulankavil 19th Mile Post Poonagari Partially damaged
191.St. Mary’s Church Mulankavil Nagapaduvan Poonagari Partially damaged
192.St. Mary’s Church Mulankavil Iranainagar Poonagari Partially damaged
193.Infant Jesus Chapel Mulankavil Mulankavil Poonagari Partially damaged
194.St. Anne’s Church Valaipadu Parish Valaipadu Poonagari Partially damaged
195.Christ the King Church Valaipadu Parish Kiranchi Poonagari Partially damaged
196.Our Lady of Perpetual Help Valaipadu Parish Veravil Poonagari Partially damaged
197.St. Jude’s Church Valaipadu Parish Palavi Poonagari Partially damaged
198.Our Lady of Lourdes Valaipadu Parish Valaipadu Poonagari Partially damaged
199.Infant Jesus Church Valaipadu Parish Kiranchi Poonagari Minor Repair
200.St. Anthony’s Church Valaipadu Parish Kiranchi Poonagari Minor Repair
201.St. Mary’s Church Valaipadu Parish Ilavankudah Poonagari Minor Repair
202.St. Mary’s Church Valaipadu Parish Iranaithivu Poonagari Fully damaged
203.Our Lady of Fatima Iranaippalai Iranaippalai Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
204.Our Lady of Refuge Church Iranaippalai Mathalan Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
205.Our Lady of Rosary Iranaippalai Valian Madam Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
206.St. Antony’s Church Iranaippalai Mathalan Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
207.St. Antony’s Church Iranaippalai Idaikadu Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
208.St. Antony’s Church Iranaippalai Mullivaikal Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
209.St. Sebastian’s Church Iranaippalai Anadapuram Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
210.Infant Jesus Iranaippalai Iranaipalai Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
211.St. Joseph’s Church Puthukuddyiruppu Puthukuddyiruppu Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
212.St. Antony’s Church Puthukuddyiruppu Malikaithivu Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
213.St. James’ Church Puthukuddyiruppu Mongilkalaru Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
214.St. Jude’s Church Puthukuddyiruppu Suthanthirapuram Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
215.Christ the King Church Puthukuddyiruppu Udayarkaddu Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
216.St. Mary’s Church Puthukuddyiruppu Devipuram Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
217.St. Anthony’s Church Puthukuddyiruppu Udayarkaddu Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
218.Annai Vellarnkanni Puthukuddyiruppu Theravil Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
219.Annai Vellarnkanni Puthukuddyiruppu Manthuvil Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
220.Holy Face Church Puthukuddyiruppu Manthuvil Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
221.St. Eugene De Mazond Puthukuddyiruppu Kaiveli Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
222.Infant Jesus Puthukuddyiruppu Puthukuddyiruppu Puthukuddyiruppu Partially damaged
223.Church of our Lady of Refuge Annaikoddai Parish Anaikoddai Sandilipay Partially damaged
224.St. Peter & Paul’s Church Annaikoddai Parish Navaly Sandilipay Fully damaged
225.Sacred Heart Church Annaikoddai Parish Theverkaddu Sandilipay Partially damaged
226.St. Anne’s Church Ilavalai Parish Ilavalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
227.St. James’ Church Ilavalai Parish Ilavalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
228.St. Jude’s Church Ilavalai Parish Ilavalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
229.St. Cajetan’s Church Ilavalai Parish Marisankoodal Sandilipay Partially damaged
230.Our Lady of Lourdes Ilavalai Parish Poity Sandilipay Partially damaged
231.Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ilavalai Parish Sahayampuram Sandilipay Fully damaged
232.St. Francis of Assist Ilavalai Parish Valankadu Sandilipay Fully damaged
233.St. Rita’s Church Ilavalai Parish Ilavalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
234.St. Anne’s Church Ilavalai Parish Valithundal Sandilipay Fully damaged
235.St. Philip Neri’s Church Ilavalai Parish Pathavathai Sandilipay Partially damaged
236.St. Roche’s Church Ilavalai Parish Senthankulam Sandilipay Fully damaged
237.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Ilavalai Parish Mylankoodal Sandilipay Fully damaged
238.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Manipay Parish Anthiran Sandilipay Partially damaged
239.St. Jude’s Church Manipay Parish Suthumalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
240.Our Lady of Madhu Manipay Parish Kadudai Sandilipay Partially damaged
241.Infant Jesus Manipay Parish Sanguvely Sandilipay Partially damaged
242.St. Thomas’ Church Mathagal Parish Mathagal Sandilipay Partially damaged
243.St. Anthony’s Church Mathagal Parish Mathagal Sandilipay Partially damaged
244.St. Sebastian’s Church Mathagal Parish Mathagal Sandilipay Partially damaged
245.Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Mathagal Parish Mathagal Sandilipay Partially damaged
246.St. Joseph’s Church Mathagal Parish Mathagal Sandilipay Partially damaged
247.Church of Our Lady of Fatima Panditheripu Parish Panditheripu Sandilipay Partially damaged
248.St. Anthony’s Church Panditheripu Parish Panditheripu Sandilipay Partially damaged
249.Church of Our Lady of Rosary Panditheripu Parish Panditheripu Sandilipay Partially damaged
250.St. Theresa’s Church Panditheripu Parish Sandilipay Sandilipay Partially damaged
251.St. John the Baptist Church Panditheripu Parish Periyavillan Sandilipay Partially damaged
252.St. Anthony’s Church Panditheripu Parish Periyavillan Sandilipay Partially damaged
253.St. Joseph’s Church Panditheripu Parish Alaveddi Sandilipay Partially damaged
254.St. Sebastian’s Church Panditheripu Parish Mahyapiddy Sandilipay Partially damaged
255.St. Mary’s Church Sillalai Parish Sillalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
256.St. James’ Church Sillalai Parish Sillalai Sandilipay Partially damaged
257.St. Francis De Sales Sillalai Parish Chankanai Sandilipay Minor Repair
258.Our Lady of Holy Rosary Sillalai Parish Moolai Sandilipay Fully damaged
259.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Amathipuram Parish Vanneri Rd,Amathipuram Thunnukai Partially damaged
260.St. Anthony’s Church Amathipuram Parish Skanthapuram Thunnukai Fully damaged
261.St. Mary’s Church Amathipuram Parish Vannerikulam Thunnukai Partially damaged
262.Our Lady of Miracles Amathipuram Parish Ponnagar Thunnukai Partially damaged
263.Arokiamatha Amathipuram Parish Arokianagar 8th Mile post Thunnukai Partially damaged
264.St. Joseph’s Church Amathipuram Parish Vannerikulam Thunnukai Partially damaged
265.Sacred Heart Church Amathipuram Parish Anaivilunthan Thunnukai Partially damaged
266.St. Agnes Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Mankulam Thunnukai Fully damaged
267.St. Joseph’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Muthayankaddu Thunnukai Fully damaged
268.St. Mary’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Pandiyankulam Thunnukai Fully damaged
269.Sacred Heart Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Chalampon Thunnukai Partially damaged
270.Sacred Heart Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Selvapuram Thunnukai Partially damaged
271.St. Sebastian’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Mallavi Thunnukai Partially damaged
272.Annai Vellarnkanni Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Vavunikulam Thunnukai Partially damaged
273.St. Antony’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Palaiadi Thunnukai Partially damaged
274.St. Antony’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Unit 2, Mallavi Thunnukai Partially damaged
275.St. Sebastian’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Thennyankulam Thunnukai Partially damaged
276.St. Mary’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Koodaikadudiakulam Thunnukai Partially damaged
277.Sacred Heart Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Kalvilan Thunnukai Partially damaged
278.St. Antony’s Church Mankulam/Mallavi Parish Unit 4 Thunnukai Partially damaged
279.St. Michael’s Church Urumpirai Parish Urumpirai Urumpirai Partially damaged
280.St. Henry’s Church Urumpirai Parish Julanoor Urumpirai Partially damaged
281.St. Peter’s Church Urumpirai Parish Punnalaikadduvan Urumpirai Partially damaged
282.St. Mary’s Church Urumpirai Parish Neerveli Urumpirai Partially damaged
283.St. Sebastian’s Church Kayts Parish Karompon Velanai Minor Repair
284.St. Mary’s Church Kayts Parish Suruvil Velanai Partially damaged
285.St. Anni’s Church Kayts Parish Thanuvil Velanai Partially damaged
286.Our Lady of Vellarnkanni Kayts Parish Karompon Velanai Minor Repair
287.Church of Christ the King Kayts Parish Melinchimunai Velanai Partially damaged
288.Church of Our Lady of Good V Mandaithivu Parish Chaddi Velanai Partially damaged
289.St. Peter’s Church Mandaithivu Parish Mandaithevu Velanai Partially damaged
290.St. John the Baptist Church Mandaithivu Parish Allaipiddy Velanai Partially damaged
291.Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mandaithivu Parish Mandaithevu Velanai Partially damaged
292.St. Philip Neri’s Church Mandaithivu Parish Mankumpan Velanai Partially damaged
293.St. Anthony’s Church Mandaithivu Parish Mankumpan Velanai Partially damaged
294.St. Peter & Paul’s Church Naranthanai Parish Naranthanai South Rd Velanai Partially damaged
295.Sacred Heart Church Naranthanai Parish Naranthanai Velanai Partially damaged
296.Our Lady of Lourdes Naranthanai Parish Naranthanai Velanai Partially damaged
297.Our Lady of Holy Rosary Naranthanai Parish Saravanai Velanai Fully damaged
298.St. Francis Xavier’s Church Naranthanai Parish Punguduthevu Velanai Partially damaged
299.St. Anthony’s Church Naranthanai Parish Naranthanai Velanai Partially damaged
Fully damaged = 93
Partially damaged = 186
Minor Repair = 20
Total = 299
[Submitted by: Dylan Ramsay]
Entry Filed under: transCurrents News Service
19 Comments Add your own
1. Prathibha Gamage | April 10th, 2008 at 2:50 am
These are false reports
2. Rajiv | April 10th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Interesting why ‘aerial bombing’ came before ’shelling’ in the headline. I persume it is due to the first starting with a and not with s. I suppose one cannot asses the damage either caused so that one would know which caused more damage. Should I also persume that shelling is from both parties? Or one party?
3. KTR | April 10th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Excellent account. Some one is keeping the record straight.
How about the Churches that were burned and damaged by JHU and Bhudist fanatics in the South?
4. Winston Martin | April 10th, 2008 at 10:26 am
So many Churches in Tamil Eelam have been completely destroyed or damaged per the above statistics. These are only connected to one faith. How about the Hindu Temples and Mosque? But a well known JHU monk is saying, that in a war churches and temples can get destroyed or damaged this is unavoidable. What sort of idiot is this monk? Will he say the same thing if a Buddha temple is damaged? These fellows should be de-robbed and kicked out of the religion they practice. They are shameful to the society and the country they come from. If peace and harmony to be returned to Sri Lanka, first they should band the Buddhist priest to get involved in politics.
5. Shanthi | April 10th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Alas, is this only a most powerful and organized faith organisation in the world can do – make statement of damages and do nothing about it?
We cannot lie idle like the 18th and 19th century “Burgher Christians” who never identified with Sri Lanka. They were not concerned about any political change or independence movement.
What have we witnessed in Philippines, Nicaragua, South Africa….The Christian community in those countries have a lasting testimony to all of us – They all brought a peaceful change to those nations through active participation.(I thought of attaching Ninoy Aquino’s Arrival Statement, the most famous undelivered speech in Philippine history, if DBS would allow it.)
It is this absence of active participation and determination to resolve the ethnic crisis that has been a failure of the Christian community in Sri Lanka whether they are Tamils or Sinhalese.
It is only the Christian community that can build a reconciliation bridge between the Sinhalese and Tamils as it draws support from both people thus the reason to resolve it. It also has “adape” love that Christ demonstrated that can go beyond the selfish interest to resolve the problem and to understand the need of the opposition.
It is only the Christian community that can pave the way an acceptable and viable solution to the ethnic crisis and divisions between Christians there is no acute antagonism like the divisions in Muslims community.
It is absolutely important to welcome any other faith with whom we can work with realise peace in our country. Appreciate their point of view and translate that into real program of action.
The Christian community must understand that the first riots in Sri Lanka was organised by Buddhists against “Sinhala” catholic church in Kotahena during the procession of the church in 1883 (not 1983).
Since then Malayalis who were port workers were attacked mercilessly in the streets of Colombo in 1933. The Malayalis were spearheading the Ceylon Pentecostal Movement and it was finally broken in mid 1950s and withered away into individual groups along the ethnic lines thereafter due to individual attempts.
(The Ceylon Pentecostal Movement has a proud history as it was founded in Colombo, in 1923, by a Hindu convert Ramankutty – aka Pastor Paul along with brother Alwin de Alwis. It now has churches worldwide with 7 million believers. Now CPM has spread to many parts of the world – India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, England, France, Europe, Africa, Caribbean Islands, and the Middle East, and on the rise.)
Spiritual warfare broke out first on the church movements even before it targeted other sections in SL. The breakages of Ceylon Pentecostal Movement and the restrictions on foreigners ended the charismatic movements. The scale of healing miracles of Alwin R de Alwis were not testified in recent times.
When Mr. Bandaranayake was elected on the MEP platform, he first stopped the Christian Broadcast on the countries radio station. It was then the first in the string of anti-Christian marking a hostile change in political attitude of government started.
In 1960/1961, the government decided to take over all Christian schools with legislation. Five out six prime ministers came from these schools. Now we see the leaders who are product of government run state school. No fear of God what so ever. No scruples.
We need to deal with every situation in every possible way to bring about a peaceful change, initially within the Christian community for a united effort not to dominate but to serve the people. If we are not capable of bringing unity within the body of Christ, we cannot go further.
We should seek actively for an egalitarian society where all are allowed live freely without the domination of one over the other, to prosper and live in peace and harmony.
The God created the world and all its living and nature, to be taken care by us – the human race – nobody else
6. Ninoy Aquino's Arrival Statement | April 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Filipino Speech: Ninoy Aquino’s Arrival Statement, the most famous undelivered speech in Philippine history. I just thought it is a good time to share this to everyone. Very informative and it is very timely for the incoming elections. Think about our country in the words of our hero Ninoy.
I have returned on my free will to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedoms through nonviolence.
I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.
I am prepared for the worst, and have decided against the advice of my mother, my spiritual adviser, many of my tested friends and a few of my most valued political mentors.
A death sentence awaits me. Two more subversion charges, both calling for death penalties, have been filed since I left three years ago and are now pending with the courts.
I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.
I never sought nor have I been given assurances or promise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.
According to Gandhi, the WILLING sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.
Three years ago when I left for an emergency heart bypass operation, I hoped and prayed that the rights and freedoms of our people would soon be restored, that living conditions would improve and that blood-letting would stop.
Rather than move forward, we have moved backward. The killings have increased, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the human rights situation has deteriorated.
During the martial law period, the Supreme Court heard petitions for Habeas Corpus. It is most ironic, after martial law has allegedly been lifted, that the Supreme Court last April ruled it can no longer entertain petitions for Habeas Corpus for persons detained under a Presidential Commitment Order, which covers all so-called national security cases and which under present circumstances can cover almost anything.
The country is far advanced in her times of trouble. Economic, social and political problems bedevil the Filipino. These problems may be surmounted if we are united. But we can be united only if all the rights and freedoms enjoyed before September 21, 1972 are fully restored.
The Filipino asks for nothing more, but will surely accept nothing less, than all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution — the most sacred legacies from the Founding Fathers.
Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?
The nation-wide rebellion is escalating and threatens to explode into a bloody revolution. There is a growing cadre of young Filipinos who have finally come to realize that freedom is never granted, it is taken. Must we relive the agonies and the blood-letting of the past that brought forth our Republic or can we sit down as brothers and sisters and discuss our differences with reason and goodwill?
I have often wondered how many disputes could have been settled easily had the disputants only dared to define their terms.
So as to leave no room for misunderstanding, I shall define my terms:
1. Six years ago, I was sentenced to die before a firing squad by a Military Tribunal whose jurisdiction I steadfastly refused to recognize. It is now time for the regime to decide. Order my IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OR SET ME FREE.
I was sentenced to die for allegedly being the leading communist leader. I am not a communist, never was and never will be.
2. National reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including justice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers. There can be no deal with a Dictator. No compromise with Dictatorship.
3. In a revolution there can really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in order to build.
4. Subversion stems from economic, social and political causes and will not be solved by purely military solutions; it can be curbed not with ever increasing repression but with a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more freedom, and
5. For the economy to get going once again, the workingman must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.
On one of the long corridors of Harvard University are carved in granite the words of Archibald Macleish:
“How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith.”
I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer — faith in our people and faith in God.
7. ilaya seran senguttuvan | April 10th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
And, we are told regularly that LTTE arms-stores and other
limbs of their war machinery are only being bombed and destroyed.
Your list only contains churches. How many tens of thousands of children, women, old folk, the sick have been destroyed by aerial-bombing? …As believers in a higher being, we do not ask for revenge – but we know there will be a day of reckoning andanswering soon….There must be a day when truth will prevail over well-engineered lies….
8. aratai | April 10th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
If their targets are churches, then they are dead accurate.
9. Aruna Magamage | April 10th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
This is shame. As a sinhala buddhist I feel sorry for minorities.
10. Lalith | April 10th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Why you are so worried only about the Churhes? If these facts are correct, the number of the damaged Hindu temples should be much more higher than these figures ,being the majority of tamils are Hindus.
But we do not hear any complaint from Hindu Clergy.
11. Dominic | April 10th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
This report exposes Sinhela state’s hypocrisy about caring about church.
Hopefully the world see this report and realize how Sri Lankan State systematically targeting places of worship
other than Buddhist Pansalas.
Same story goes to Hindu Temples too.
The most heinous crime is burning the Chelva Chanithy Ther which was newly built.
12. Jack Ranasinghe | April 11th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Most, if not all, of these are Catholic churches and were probably damaged through war and neglect over the last 28 years.
Unlike the Assembly of God and other “evangelical” churches that receive funds from the West, The Catholic, Anglican and other traditional churches in Sri Lanka do not have the funds to pour into reconstruction of church buildings when the plight of the churchgoers poses a greater need. Furthermore, much of the cognregation is already dispersed and it would make little sense to bring all of these buildings back to their original glory.
From an archetctural perspective, however, its a huge loss for the country as some of these older churches must tell quite a story.
13. Nam | April 11th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Unlike the Christianity (both Roman catholic and Non-RC), there is no Hindu organization that keep a Database. Though Hinduism has high tolerance to other religion, I am somewhat ashamed to say that we lack proper organization, charity work and discipline inside the temple. There are countless Temples that were destroyed by SLA and only a local govt. database has those details (one of those in within the former Elephant pass garrison and during the 1991 attack there are accounts of SLA making one of those temple as temporary hospital and surgical suit for amputations. This is a never ending story.
14. Lalith | April 11th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Damaging a religious Place is very bad.Those who made comments above,may make any comment about the Attack of TEMPLE OF TOOTH (UNESCO heritage site) in Kandy,where we did not have any war situation in that area.
15. Jack Ranasinghe | April 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Can somebody share a reference to the JVP’s attack on the TEMPLE OF TOOTH?
16. pitumpe | April 12th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Mr. Jayaraj Why did you foget to mention Killing over 100 devoties Anuradhapura,o mention Dalada Maligawa, Killing over 150 devoties Kaththakudi mosque and Killing 31 Budhist Monks at Aranthlawa by the LTTE
DBSJ Responds:
Why don’t ypu read what i write rugularly, before raising such stupid questions. At least last week’s Madhu Church: Tragic Casualty of Politico-Military Crossfire
17. hiphop | April 14th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Mr. Jeyaraj I am a Canadian and have never been a big fan of yours. But, I like your” middle of the road” approach. This particular article is very informative. I am a Hindu and cannot still comprehend the sheer audacity and the vulgarity of the SLA or LTTE at attack of a place of worship. I am no being callous but the attack on the Buddhist monks I will reserve my opinion since I believe they are a prime cause all this chaos in the country.
18. Naga UK | April 14th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Churches are meant to be hurt because they came from the west- the haven of the “adhirajayavadaya” not because they are preaching equality, but they are not Buddhists! – the survival straw of the rulers for the time being. What is next, other than the elimination of LTTE?
19. a sl voter | April 15th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
As I see this looks like only the cathelic churches are lited here. I kow that a couple of Methodist churches which were damaged including Methodist Church of Point Pedro, St Peters Church Jaffna, St Lukes Church Puthur and another Methodist Church in Allaipiddi..
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