Over 400,000 devotees are expected to visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar to attend its annual feast. The Uthuru Vasanthaya task force in collaboration with the security forces and police has made elaborate arrangements to provide all facilities needed to cater to the pilgrims visiting the Madhu shrine to attend the annual feast, said Administrator of the Madhu church Rev. Fr. Desmond Kulas.

"Now all obstacles have been cleared, roads rehabilitated and the church well spruced up to ensure a grand and peaceful feast this year", he said.

The 12 km access road to the shrine which was in a dilapidated state is now being rehabilitated for the feast. The Government has also allocated Rs. 2 million to rehabilitate and refurbish the Madhu Post Office.

According to the Police Headquarters All devotees visiting the Madhu Church will be registered at the entrance to the Madhu Church to ensure safety and security of the devotees.

The Police said devotees visiting Madhu Church between August 6 and 11 will not be allowed to stay over at the church premises. They have to go back towards Anuradhapura through the Medawachchiya checkpoint.

Devotees visiting the church from August 12 to 16 will be allowed to stay over at the church premises. Devotees would be allowed to proceed towards Madhu Church through the Medawachchiya checkpoint at the following times.

August 6 to 11   - 6 a.m. to 12 noon.
August 12 to 13  - 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
August 14 to 16  - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
and August 15    - 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Devotees returning after attending the feast will be allowed to pass through the Medawachchiya checkpoint at the following times

August 6 to 13    - before 10 p.m.
August 14          - before 12 midnight
August 15 to 16  - before 10 p.m. and
August 17          - before 2 p.m.

Registration forms are available from OICs of Police stations and Priests of Catholic churches in the area.