Madhu Church is opened for all devotees to visit and pray 24 hours 7 days a week with no restrictions, with effect from today (Jan.12).

The decision for the withdrawal of limitations was made by the Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order due to the improved security situation of the area. It is safe for people to move around in sacred Madhu Church area after the successful completion of de-mining.

Earlier, the LTTE cadres occupied the church premises and precincts, had weapons placed in the area, set up road blocks and prevented pilgrims from entering the sacred area without their permission.

The LTTE also used the Sacred Madhu Church as a safe place for its armed cadres. As the armed forces tried to dislodge them, the LTTE carried out mortar attacks that badly damaged the shrine. In 2008, the priests at the shrine were compelled to take the venerated statue deeper into LTTE held area in the hope of safety for the much venerated statue.

The statue was brought back after security forces drove the LTTE out of the entire Madhu Church area in 2008. On the instructions of President Rajapaksa the Sri Lankan Army carried out restoration work on the shrine at a cost of Rs1.18 million.

After the restoration, the Government opened the Madhu Church for devotees from August 12 to 17, giving an opportunity to worship the statue of Our Lady of Madhu replaced in her abode in the church, after 3 months of defeating terrorism. Catholics also got an opportunity to celebrate the "Annual Madhu Feast" of Our Lady of Madhu on August 15, last year, under state patronage.