Colombage Melani Manel Perera

Today is World Food Safety Day, an observance meant to highlight the need to ensure food safety standards. For this occasion, Sri Lankan authorities announced that they are working on standards for the popular but hitherto unregulated drink made from coconut flowers.

Over 3,000 cases in the first four months of 2023, Matara district the most affected. Called for more efforts to create a safe environment. But the National Authority for Child Protection, which has been taking care of the youngest children since 1929, today has only half the staff it would need.

In Sri Lanka there are 800 refugees from Pakistan, Rohingya from Myanmar, Afghans, Syrians and Yemenis. The probable closure, or at least downsizing, of the UN body's headquarters fuels uncertainty for the future. The majority have been living for years suspended in limbo, without jobs or education for their children.

Fourteen years after the end of the conflict between the army and the Tamil militias in the North and East regions, tens of thousands of women who have lost husbands, fathers and brothers are still struggling to survive in a context aggravated by the economic crisis. "We have only one dream: help to educate our children".

A controversial televangelist who heads a church he founded is sowing discord in the country with outrageous remarks about Buddha. Cardinal Ranjith, who stressed that the pastor is not connected in any way with the Catholic Church, wants people who spread hate to be investigated. Buddhist groups demand his arrest. For his part, the pastor said he would meet his followers next Sunday in the country.

Sri Lanka’s poverty doubled as a result of its ongoing economic crisis. In its latest country update, the international financial body calls for structural reforms; in the meantime, the cost of basic items continues to rise.

In Puttalam district - an example of coexistence - the heart of the celebrations desired by the government for the most important annual Buddhist festival. Activities include a drug prevention program and blood donations. Card. Ranjith: "This anniversary elevates everyone to righteousness and a holy existence."

Presented last month, the bill intervenes on the regulations passed in 1979 against the Tamil uprising but maintains wide margins of arbitrariness that civil society fears will be used to repress all forms of protest. Card. Ranjith has harshly criticised the measure that the president would like to bring to Parliament.

These are capuchin macaques, a primate very similar genetically to humans, ideal guinea pigs for drug and vaccine experiments. The Chinese embassy has denied the news, saying it is disinformation, but environmentalists continue to express concern about the proposal. In favour, on the other hand, are the farmers who are increasingly worried about the damage these animals cause to crops.

Catholic clergy and ordinary Sri Lankans from every ethnic background joined the rally. Forming a human chain, protesters renewed their demand for the truth about the terrorist attacks and justice for their victims. The apostolic nuncio said the country has the blessing of Pope Francis.

On 21 April the initiative to mark the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks in which more than 250 people died. The aim is to unite two of the churches that were targeted in 2019. The archbishop accused government officials who allegedly covered up the events of corruption and lust for power.

Despite President Wickremesinge's renewed pledge to find the truth, police stop a motorcade organised to demand justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Activists who took part in protests are not allowed to attend iftar meal.