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.
The Catholic community and its leaders pray that the violent death of Fr. Nicholaspilai Packiyaranjith, accelerates the peace process in the country, helping both sides in the conflict to understand that “this slaughter cannot go on”.
On the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary, a great procession takes in Colombo; participants call on Our Lady to bring peace to the country. Many of those devoted to Mary, whether Sinhalese or Tamil, attend including some Hindus.
In an open letter to authorities over 22 civil organisations call for independent inquiry into the death of Fr. Nicholaspilai Packiyaranjith. They urge the Government and rebels to respect religious leaders and humanitarian workers who work to aid the victims of war.
Lawmakers, human rights activists and people religious protest in front of the Myanmar Embassy. In recent days Buddhist monks and ordinary people took part in other protest rallies and in petitions. Colombo’s Anglican bishop makes a formal protest against the Myanmar junta.
After 4 years of work the Archbishop of Colombo has blessed the first Asian sanctuary dedicated to the saint from Pietrelcina. Catholics and Buddhists participated in the ceremony with donations.
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