Colombage Melani Manel Perera

Ex MP Harin Fernando made "derogatory comments" about Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith at an election rally, accusing him of playing a political role in the presidential election.

Yesterday, the first Sunday service was held after three months of COVID-19lockdown. For worshippers, the 50-person limit can work in small parishes, but not in larger ones. Restrictions on religious gatherings are too strict. Some dioceses have not respected government limits; others have had to hold up to 16 services in a single day.

The legislative change was enacted yesterday, World Day against Child Labour. In Sri Lanka, at least 103,000 minors still work, especially in fishing.

Several Catholics said that the government should take into consideration the archbishop's request as the country slowly goes back to normal.

Two media outlets undertook a nine-day themed campaign inspired by Pope Francis. A Buddhist activist planted eight trees. The coronavirus shows how “nature is responding to the mistreatment she has suffered from man,” said an environmentalist.

The Holy Family Convent School offers 50 online classes. For Sri Lankan politicians, improving the education system is not a priority. Students from disadvantaged families should be helped.

The civil war ended on 18 May 11 years ago with the Sri Lankan Military defeating the Tamil Tigers. Politicians and journalists have been blocked from attending memorial ceremonies. Tamils ​​feel discriminated by the central government. Christian activists want Tamils to be integrated ​into Sri Lankan society.

For some young Catholics, heeding Pope Francis' invitation was “a great joy and a duty”. The country’s dioceses did not adequately publicise the event, but it still found an echo up on social media and TV. One young person, spent the day with family, “praying and donated food to some people in need.”

Before the lockdown, Chrismali could only talk with her family over the phone. The home coming caused by the coronavirus helped heal the heartache of a lonely life. Without God’s grace everything is useless and worthless. Every change in life has great value, during this crisis too.

Sudhara's father, 48 year-old Sudheera Fernando, was one of the victims of the Saint Sebastian church in Katuwapitiya (Negombo). His son put aside his grief to support the family. "We have experienced Jesus' great love for us".

The head of the Negombo Grand Mosque said that Muslims “decided to show our solidarity.” Hence, they picked “the seniors home run by Catholic nuns in Negombo. We gave them medicines, food rations, healthcare products and more. We donated 100 bags of rations worth 2,000 rupees each to the church in Katuwapitiya, to be handed out to the needy in the village affected by the attack.”

Muslim leaders call for a joint effort to combat coronavirus. At this time, "generosity must guide people”. Cases are on the rise on the island nation. Restrictions have been imposed for the holy month. Unemployment and the loss of remittances from abroad have hit Sri Lankans hard.