Colombage Melani Manel Perera

The President of Sri Lanka launches the national campaign “A Nation United” in Colombo against drug dealing, consumption and crime. He denounced the presence of a “shadow state” infiltrating institutions. Substantial funds for rehabilitation and prevention were announced, as well as the creation of a National Operations Centre. The involvement of religious and civil communities is hoped for.

Originally from southern India, the ethnic Malaiyaha Makkal families, risk losing their home. "We have nowhere to go,” they told AsiaNews. After decades of working without social security protections, the new owner, a resident of the United States, announced the sale of the land and ordered the residents to leave within three months. For the NGO Voice of Plantation People, it is a question of humanity.

Entitled ‘Reconciliation through understanding the Dharma’, it recounts the life and teachings of the prophet Muhammad. There are no comprehensive books on Islam in Sinhala. Rasmi Abdurrahman, lecturer: ‘It is precisely because of a lack of proper understanding that we are victims of crimes and deprivation.’ Guests of honour included Rev. Pannila Sri Ananda Thero and members of parliament.

Last Sunday evening, eve of World Habitat Day, a ceremony was held at Temple Trees in the presence of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to mark the start of a programme to provide a home to at least 4,000 families in need. Land and a symbolic cheque were also handed over. The government pledged to offer a safe, comfortable, and dignified living environment for all its citizens.

In Mannar, over 100 police officers brutally dispersed a peaceful protest, injuring women, priests and citizens. For over 55 days, the population has been conducting a satyagraha demanding dialogue and transparency, denouncing a model of development imposed from above and without consultation. After yesterday's strike, protesters announce new actions if the government does not respond.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa identified four challenges: aging population, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and nutrition. He stressed the need for better diagnoses and treatment. One of the objectives is to improve the country's ranking on the Universal Health Index.

Thousands of children, wives and parents have been waiting for years for news about the fate of their family members who disappeared in mysterious circumstances. War, political motives and terrorism are among the reasons behind the kidnappings, from the north to the south of the island. The story of the family of Madushka Haris de Silva, originally from Anuradhapura, who disappeared on 2 September 12 years ago.

Sponsored by St. Nicholas Sunday School in Munnakkara, the event saw a simple object, adorned with images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, become an opportunity to rediscover the joy of Christian life. For Father Nishan, it provided an opportunity to experience “the spiritual and relaxing atmosphere of a family united in God.”

Villages in northern Sri Lanka have been protesting for weeks against the second phase of a 50 MW wind power project. The latter has “serious environmental consequences”, Fr Marcus Adigalar, parish priest of Thalaimannar, told AsiaNews. The project impacts marine and coastal ecosystems. Dissanayake is open to dialogue. Young people are calling for permits to be cancelled and a protected area to be created.

90 boys and girls walked 27 km from Balangoda to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, Thanjanthenna. Fr Hariharan Rajappriya: ‘Pilgrimage to understand life’. Accompanied by concern for the environment with the participation of Buddhist monk Wekandawala Rahula Thero. Bishop Croos: ‘Young people united thanks to new and diverse work’.

Galamuduna Kanishta School, a rural establishment with just 21 students and a one teacher, has achieved extraordinary results in the latest national exam. Janaka Dhanuddhara, who is both principal and teacher, walks several kilometres to reach the school, which has no Internet and few transportation options. A wave of solidarity has brought help, while parents are calling for more support to ensure a future for their children.

The container ship that sank in 2021 off the coast of Sri Lanka caused one of the worst environmental disasters in the country's history. The Supreme Court ordered the company that owned it to pay compensation. The court also ruled that the authorities, including former State Minister Nalaka Godahewa, failed to take adequate measures to prevent the tragedy.