Wall of century-old church collapses

A part of the wall of a 100-year-old church here has collapsed, officials said today.

Officials said a part of the church wall on the western side collapsed following rains which has been lashing the island for the past two days.

Dhanushkodi was made a gateway for operating ferry service and boat-mail to Sri Lanka's (then Ceylon) Talaimannar town by the British on March 1, 1914. The church was built using limestone and corals during the same time.

However, storm and tidal waves destroyed the town on December 22,1964.

The remnants of the town, including the church, has attracted hundreds of tourists and to promote tourism, the district administration had prepared a draft plan for preserving the church, a railway cabin building and coral reef structures, among others.
 

Fishermen have appealed to authorities to protect the remaining portions of the church.