Colombage Melani Manel Perera

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), adopted as a temporary measure in 1979, is a draconian piece of legislation that is still on the books. Over the decades, it has been used by the “Government of Sri Lanka to target, and harass minorities, activists, journalists and critical voices,” Amnesty International laments. The National People's Power party had promised to repeal it but recent statements suggest an about-face.

The president issued a message for the Hindu festival of lights being celebrated today. An opportunity to ‘end the political culture that creates divisions and fosters inequality’. In the country long scarred by the Sinhala-Tamil conflict, let it be a symbol of a ‘new hope’, desired since independence in 1972. A cultural transformation is also desired: ‘Promoting progress for all’.

The suspects are being questioned, said Minister Herath. The government is tightening controls and boosting protection for foreigners, especially tourists from Israel from "potential threats". A Muslim leader says that a "conspiracy" against the country's new leadership seeks to "destroy" the economy.

The charity released two reports that highlight the shortcomings of the school system and cultural and identity issues in the most marginalised communities. Illiteracy and school dropout rates were found to be much higher than those in other rural areas of the country. For Apostolic Nuncio Brian Udaigwe, “an inclusive approach” is needed.

Monsoon rains have been bending the island country since May. Department of Meteorology: extreme weather until Thursday 17. In Gampaha, Kaduwela and Kalutara, the toll is at least three dead and two injured. Air Force (SLAF) mobilized for rescue operations. Dissanayake allocates funds for aid.

The newly elected president met families at the St Sebastian Church in Negombo, where about 100 people died. Hope of getting to the truth about the attacks influenced the last elections. Investigations are being accelerated, and government responsibilities will be probed. Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, expressed his support.

The initiative, scheduled from 3 to 10 October, coincides with World Temperance Day. The health costs due to alcohol use (or abuse) in the country are around 726 million euros. There are 20,000 alcohol-related deaths and associated illnesses each year. A decalogue to relaunch the fight against abuse.

Following his election victory in Colombo among the new president's priorities are negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and a commitment to a country that "embraces diversity." After the swearing-in of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, dissolved Parliament with elections set for Nov. 14.

A number of complaints have been made about the use of minors in propaganda for the 21 September vote. A worrying phenomenon in a country already plagued by serious problems on issues such as child abuse. Sr. Deepa Fernando: ‘Sri Lanka does not have a national framework for child protection: more attention and assistance is needed’.

In the run-up to the 21 September vote, the Sri Lanka Bishops' Conference (CBCSL) and the National Christian Council in Sri Lanka (NCCSL) are calling for a “wise and courageous” leader. To the 38 candidates the request not to delude with favours or false promises and the warning: ‘Serve, don't be served’. The importance of the vote, which is ‘precious’ and should not be wasted with a boycott or a void ballot.

In Iyankarni, a village in the Eastern Province, the civil war destroyed lives and relations between Muslims and Tamils. Now, thanks to an organic farming project promoted by Caritas Batticaloa, the two communities are working together to rebuild their lives. For the charity’s director, Fr Samson Jayanixon, “healing people and building harmony between them are the core of religions.”

Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of enforced disappearances in the world, with thousands of victims gone missing during the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna uprising and the civil war with the Tamil Tigers. Human Rights Watch denounces the ongoing persecution of victims' families through monitoring, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests. Despite the existence of an Office for Missing Persons, almost no cases have been solved. Families have asked for international intervention.