Sri Lanka

by Melani Manel Perera | SRI LANKA

More than 100 days after the environmental disaster, over 60,000 people in the northern districts of Sri Lanka are living in makeshift accommodation. ‘The relief centres don't even have drinking water,’ they complain. The effects of the disaster compound the historical discrimination suffered by the tea plantation workers’ community. Fifteen petitions have been submitted to the president and the government.

by Melani Manel Perera

Mandatory background checks will be introduced for employees working with girls and boys in government institutions. Criminal background records and periodic checks, including for existing staff, will be used. The goal is to boost prevention and institutional accountability.

| 25/02/2026
| SRI LANKA
by Melani Manel Perera

Hundreds of religious leaders gathered by the Sangha have issued a ten-point statement and launched a petition on which they are collecting signatures from the faithful. They claim that the current government is pursuing a de facto separation between state and religion despite the role reserved for it by the Constitution. They have called for protection for temples, statues and religious teaching, but also for action against those who denigrate the Buddhist faith on social networks.

| 23/02/2026
| SRI LANKA
by Melani Manel Perera

A journey marked by spiritual and social activities to deepen understanding and unity between spouses and their relationship with their children. The example of a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu experienced by the families of Marriage Encounter in the parish of Puttalam.

| 22/02/2026
| ECCLESIA IN ASIA
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Less restrictive land use is threatening the 72-year-old structure located in southeast Sri Lanka. Two pillars have been destroyed with five more at risk. Farmers allege favouritism towards a government-affiliated cooperative. For decades, illegal sand mining has generated huge profits.

| 20/02/2026
| SRI LANKA
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

The emergency has been caused by a lack of adequate facilities and the extensive use of preventive detention pending trial. There are at least 40,000 prisoners on the island in facilities with a total capacity of only 10,500 places. In some prisons, the actual capacity is exceeded by 400%.

| 16/02/2026
| SRI LANKA
by Melani Manel Perera

Ten mobile libraries have been delivered to the Western Province, part of a countrywide project supported by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. With an endowment of 9,300 books, the vehicles will serve municipal councils and rural areas. Officials and writers highlight the initiative's value for a better informed society.

| 13/02/2026
| SRI LANKA
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| IRAN - UNITED STATES - GULF
 
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| 12/03/2026
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| 11/03/2026
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| ASIA
 
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| NEPAL
 
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| RED LANTERNS
 
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”