Melani Manel Perera

The explosion destroyed building near the capital’s port. Police had been combing the area. So far no one has claimed responsibility. Suspicions point to the Tamil Tigers.

A JVP parliamentarian, member of the All Island General Fisheries Federation warns: if the government does not change its policies in favour of licenses to large foreign companies, a National protest will ensue.

Neil Samson died from gunshot wounds. Gunmen shot at him when he was with his family. Colombo’s Anglican bishop condemns the murder, consequence of a culture of war that is spreading across the country. He calls for an “impartial investigation” into the case.

Sri Lanka’s Congress of Religions, business organisations and professional associations present a proposal to both government and opposition on how to end the civil war, implement electoral reform and protect press freedom.

Bishop Rayappu is providing his version of the attack on the shrine of Saint Anthony, in which six soldiers died three days ago. The press has indirectly accused the Church of having facilitated the attack, by asking for the presence of military personnel at the building. A statement today refutes this, and asks for a correction.

Families of fishermen who went missing in 1999 are still struggling to make ends meet with dignity; they renew their appeal to the government for financial help.

At least 7-8,000 faithful in Tewatta, at the national basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There is great fear of travelling after the many attacks, but the desire to come here was greater, for the annual commemoration of the miracle that saved the country from the world war. And to ask for a new miracle.

After the wave of attacks and bombings against civilians, the bishop of Colombo, Duleep de Chickera, appeals to the parties in conflict to spare the civilians, especially the children. A call to the population for calm, and for peaceful coexistence.

In his message for Lent, Bishop Perera, president of the justice and peace commission, invites the population to bear the sufferings of war and natural disasters with the awareness that their hope is the sacrifice of Christ for the victory of the innocent. An invitation to perform acts of charity toward all the oppressed, "because God is in them".

While anniversary celebrations were held in Colombo yesterday, attacks against civilians continued. Strong security measures are in place all over the island out of fear of rebel attacks. The population is at the breaking point: the politicians don't care about our lives, we have no freedom to celebrate, only misery.

The organisation offers care and shelter to the poor and abandoned of all ethnic and religious groups. Rita, the founder, 73 years old, recalls the evolution of this important outreach, which after 25 years of activity now houses 800 patients in 23 homes at all over the country.

An inter-party committee has presented to the president a proposed agreement with the rebels, involving the devolution of powers in the contested zones in the north and east. But the rebels are rejecting it. Meanwhile, the military offensive continues: yesterday clashes between the army and separatists claimed at least 37 victims.