Melani Manel Perera

Following an arson attack against the offices of Leader publications, which puts out papers critical of the government, Bishop Duleep De Chickera releases special communiqué. He appeals to all religious leaders not to remain silent and defends freedom of expression as necessary for the well-being of democracy.

The numbers are provided by the International Red Cross who say that the situation is tense in the area where clashes between rebels and government forces have intensified. In Wankali Tiger leaflets warn the population to abandon their homes by November 27th or be moved by force.

Yesterday parliament approved president Rajapakse’s economic plan with record defence funding. But the coalition in power splits, with JVP voting against. The cause: the head of state intends to form a National unity government, by “buying” members of the opposition.

The Indian Finance minister launches an appeal for a return to dialogue, which sets out devolution of power in the Tamil area. The rebels and government remain deaf, the latter strengthening its ranks with a fresh conscription campaign.

The United National Party will not vote in favour of the 2008 budget because planned expenditures include record defence spending and higher direct and indirect taxes, which are likely to push inflation up to 22 per cent. Dissatisfaction among ordinary Sri Lankans grows whilst government allies are also unhappy.

Civil groups and the Catholic community condemn the killing of the rebel political leader by government forces. It will not bring peace but only generate further hatred. Tigers’ leader reiterates his group’s “renewed determination” to fight for independence.

Leader is killed in air raid launched by government air force this morning. Fear mounts that it could lead to escalation. A recent report by Sri Lanka’s Law & Society Trust notes that five people are killed or disappear every day in Sri Lanka as a result of the ongoing conflict.

Over 600 people from every race and creed celebrated the World Day for Disappeared in Raddoluwa. Relatives denounce government indifference. Only Iraq outstrips Sri Lanka for the number of disappeared people.

According to defence sources, an Tigri Tamil (Eelam) airplane dropped the bomb before dawn against the Anuradhapura airbase, 180 kilometres from the capital killing 25 people. Situation currently under control, hunt for those responsible under way.

In her recent visit the UN Commissioner for Human Rights called for observers to monitor abuses on the island. Minister Samarasinghe rejects the demand and claims government commission doing an adequate job. However, four of its members quit yesterday complaining about its uselessness.

In a village near the capital Buddhist monks and fundamentalists threaten Catholic community with the death of 10-15 of its members if they continue building their church. For reasons of public order, police stop masses, but clergy and worshippers are firm on upholding their “human rights” and practicing their faith.

Fishermen’s organisations call on New Delhi and Colombo to admit their responsibility in the death of Canisius Fernando, who was killed whilst visiting fellow Sri Lankan fishermen imprisoned in India for crossing into Indian territorial waters. Trade union officials demand India pay the victim’s family compensation and urge the two governments to begin talks to ensure the safety of fishermen along the maritime border.