The priests and monks were banished, and giving them shelter was declared a capital offence. From that time dates the long persecution which ended only with the surrender of Ceylon to the British in 1796. To this diocese belongs the Island of Mannar rendered famous by the apostolic labours of St. Francis Xavier and by the martyrdom of 600 to 700 Christians, executed by order of the King of Jaffna.
The expulsion of priests and monks, along with the declaration that providing them shelter was punishable by death, marked the beginning of a long period of persecution that only ended with the British conquest of Ceylon in 1796. The diocese encompasses Mannar Island, renowned for the apostolic work of St. Francis Xavier and the martyrdom of 600 to 700 Christians at the hands of King of Jaffna.