The Madhu Church is now open to the public for worship but there is no accommodation for pilgrims to stay on the premise as yet, though other facilities like water and electricity were available, Vicar General of Mannar Rev Fr. Victor Sosai told The Island yesterday (12).

Though pilgrims used to stay in the precincts of the church in the past now it was not possible to stay but they could visit the church from September 6 to 15 the Vicar General said.

Groups of pilgrims from Chilaw were coming for worship but they had to return the same day after worship and they are prohibited from straying away from the protected precincts of church as there could be land mines in the jungle areas around the church Fr. Sosai said.