H. R. H. Princess Astrid & H. E. Mr .Armand De Decker & entourage visit Matara
Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, His Excellency Mr. Armand De Decker Minister for Development Cooperation and the delegation from Belgium visited Matara today. A student received them at the entrance to St. Mary’s Convent. Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid was presented with a basket full of flowers while H.E Mr. Armand De Decker the Minister and the Bishop of Galle Dr.Harold Anthony Perera were garlanded and received by Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church and the Principal. The entourage was taken in procession to the main hall of the Convent. The Principal Rev. Sister Sandamali delivered welcome address and Mr. Olivier Blaise the Project Coordinator of Caritas Matara briefed the entourage and the guest of honours the services rendered by Caritas up to now and the future programmes. Subsequently Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid officially handed over the bus that was presented to St. Mary’s Convent by Caritas Belgium. The entourage was next escorted to St. Mary’s Church. They walked through the Church that was damaged as a result of tsunami, viewed the photographs taken after tsunami and the damages. Next they proceeded to the new chapel that was built after tsunami. Her Royal Highness paid her respect to the Miraculous Statue, which was lost as a result of tsunami and found few days later. The entourage that spent about forty-five minutes left amidst cheers from the little children of the Convent.
