Colombage Melani Manel Perera

The protest from the leaders of the Episcopal Conference: "Wickremesinghe is using the Easter massacres to leave in his place an official who in 36 months has not implemented the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. To claim that the extension is agreed with the Catholic Church is false , misleading and malicious."

Torrential rains that have been continuing unabated for days yesterday resulted in deaths and missing persons. Extensive destruction, schools closed. Rainfall of up to 150 mm is expected, with the Disaster Management Centre urging people in the valleys to move to higher ground. The anger of the inhabitants of Maikkulama in Chilaw: ‘Floods two or three times a year. No one pays attention to our situation’.

Police and Sinhala nationalist groups have again attacked the distribution of porridge with which the Hindu minority remembers being starved in the final siege of the war that ended 15 years ago. Outrage from activists of all religions to AsiaNews: without memory there can be no reconciliation

After leading the National Seminary he had been auxiliary of Colombo and secretary of the Episcopal Conference. He is credited with founding the magazine Living Faith for the country's clergy and religious. Sr. Deepa Fernando: "He encouraged us sisters to deepen our studies in economics and political science.

The document released by the International Truth and Justice Project reports the testimonies of 123 victims of detention, abuse and torture. During the conflict that ended in 2009 - between 80 and 100 thousand people died - both separatists and government officials were accused of violence. But the persecution of Tamils by the security forces continued unpunished even after the war was over.

A course dedicated to their protection was held at the Caritas Village and attended by 200 women. Significant contribution made by migrant labour to the national economy through remittances recognised.

A quick visit to the island for the Iranian leader on his return from Pakistan. The focus of the day was the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and the inauguration of a hydroelectric power plant. Analysts underline the Islamic Republic's attempt to strengthen relations with South Asia at a time of tensions in the Middle East, with heavy repercussions on international trade.

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has organised several religious celebrations and is preparing to name martyrs the faithful killed in the attacks that targeted three churches and two hotels. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith reiterated that he had lost faith in the government's investigation.

A former teacher, he founded the Sarvodaya Shramadana movement in 1958, holding firm to the link between the secular principle of development and the Buddhist ideals of altruism and compassion, together with a firm option for non-violence. Among the many honours he received in his long life were the Magsaysay Award in 1969 and the Niwano Peace Prize in 1992.

The economic crisis is being felt by street vendors for Avurudu, the national holiday celebrated in these hours that marks the beginning of the year for both Sinhalas and Tamils.

At a press briefing in Colombo, the country’s Human Rights Commission called for changes to the school curricula to give a central place to human rights, highlighting the plight of marginalised groups, like Tamil plantation workers. Guidelines were presented last December, including on proper arrest procedures. About “24 people taken into custody died in detention,” Commission member Nimal Punchihewa lamented.

In the words issued by the Bishops' Conference, the request to 'alleviate the suffering of the people' who have been on their knees for years now due to the economic crisis. Renewed call for justice for the more than 275 victims of the massacre five years ago. A security plan for the rites of the Triduum has been put in place in the country.