Colombage Melani Manel Perera

Christian groups, clergy and believers issue a statement criticising the government’s handling of the third wave. Politicians act more out of personal interest than for the public good. The statement contains six requests on what to do to address the pandemic, including lockdowns and vaccines. Since the start of the crisis, the country has reported 175,000 cases and 1,325 deaths.

Buddhist leaders urge the faithful to stay away from temple, celebrate at home, and follow health guidelines. Archbishop Ranjith of Colombo and Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa express their wishes to the faithful. Since the pandemic started, some 172,000 coronavirus cases have been reported in the country with 1,269 deaths.

The Sri Lankan government marked Victory Day yesterday, the day when, on 18 May 2009, three decades of civil war came to an end. For the people of northern and north-eastern Sri Lanka, it was instead a day of remembrance for the victims of the war.

Workers rights groups want, among other things, vaccinations, testing, and sanitised machinery. Their demands include full compensation and full attendance bonus and other related incentives for workers forced into quarantine centres or self-isolation as a result of exposure to the coronavirus in the workplace, on their way to work, or in boarding houses.

The government has imposed new restrictions to stem the tide of infection. Almost 900 people have reportedly died so far. Travel is limited during the curfew; non-essential activities are restricted, but for Muslims, this time brings a “spiritually high” experience to pray and heal the wounds caused by the coronavirus.

Christians held a special Eucharistic service to invoke divine intercession against the pandemic. The Lord's guidance and protection are needed at a time of “extreme need”. Believers call for “mercy”. So far, 130,000 cases have been reported in the country with more than 800 deaths.

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) has initiated projects for those most in need. With the country at a “critical juncture,” churches and parish facilities can be used in the vaccination campaign. The Church is trying to help the people most in need.

Hemasiri Fernando and Pujith Jayasundara are charged with 800 counts. For Sri Lanka's Attorney General Department, they are guilty of dereliction of duty in connection with the Easter Sunday bombings. Lawyer tells AsiaNews that the charges are “political sloganeering”. The government does not want to punish the real mastermind and perpetrators.

The Christian Workers Fellowship marked May Day with a Eucharistic celebration and few participants because of coronavirus restrictions. Opposition to religious extremism and environmental protection were among the prayer intentions. Those who sacrificed themselves for workers’ rights were remembered.

Yesterday 997 people tested positive, a record since the start of the pandemic. The rising number of cases and more aggressive variants of the virus are a source of growing concern. More and more pregnant women are ending up in intensive care. All schools, including religious educational facilities, have been shut down until 30 April. Children’s health is a priority.

Sri Lanka agreed to the deal in exchange of a Chinese loan. The Chinese-run Hambantota port too would be part of it. The Chinese Embassy invited Sri Lankan MPs to “visit” the new facility.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference urges Pope Francis to recognise as martyrs the victims of the attacks. For Card Ranjith, the bombings failed to sow divisions between different faiths. Activist slams the government for failing to live up to its promises and provide justice no justice. People “want the truth.”