by Melani Manel Perera

A group of women religious met to understand the problem and develop practical ways to help the population. The price of flour, milk powder, cooking gas and cement are all up, and ordinary Sri Lankans have a hard time stretching their money till the end of the month. The government is instead more interested in plans to turn the island nation into a 'Wonder of Asia'.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The world's economic crisis has not spared Sri Lanka, but a group of nuns want "to make a difference" for people. With flour at 97.5 rupees (US$ 0.75), up by 8.5 rupees (US$ 6 cents) and milk powder, cooking gas and cement all costing more, ordinary Sri Lankans are hard pressed to make ends meet. The government is instead pushing a plan to turn the island nation into a "Wonder of Asia" with large-scale tourist projects that favour foreign multinationals at the expense of locals, who see their land seized and their rights violated.

Catholic nuns from various congregations have come together to counter the economic and social crises and help the population.

Titled 'Sisters' Link for Justice, Truth and Reconciliation,' their meeting was held at the Centre for Society and Religion, famous for its service during the civil war between 1986 and 1991.

According to the nuns, the current situation requires a "different commitment", not as "strangers" but through "direct action". For one nun who spoke to AsiaNews, "Praying and the Gospel are the light that shows us the way." For Sister Christine, this means that "We cannot close our eyes and think that all is well" because "Society needs our help."

 

• sri
• lanka
• economic
• crisis
• nuns