The statue was returned but Church decided not to hold the Madhu feast this year

The Bishop of Mannar, Royappu Joseph, said the statue, known as Our Lady of Madhu, has now been re-installed at what is the country's most revered Catholic Church.

The Virgin had been removed to spare her from possible destruction as fighting between the army and Tamil Tiger rebels raged around the building earlier this year.

Government forces recently took full control of the area, and the church is now back in the hands of its priests.

However church authorities have decided not to hold the traditional annual Madhu feast this year.

Vicar General of Mannar diocese Rev. Soosai told BBC Sandeshaya on Friday that both parties have failed to respond to a request by the Church to declare Madhu as war free zone.