The statue was taken away as fighting intensified

The army said the security forces would now assist the priests in resolving any problems regarding water and electricity supplies.

Priests and staff of the famous Madhu shrine, in Mannar district, left with a statue of the Virgin Mary following heavy fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels in the area in April this year.

The statue, which was taken inside the rebel-controlled region further north, is now in the town of Mannar.

The Sri Lankan army has wrested control of the entire region in recent months.

The renovation of the church was completed by the army last month.