Melani Manel Perera

Preparations for the feast of the Assumption start within two days. The local bishop reminded the government of its promise to open the main road which leads to the shrine, so that pilgrims may be able to go there in great numbers. But Colombo has said the Tigers are amassing arms around the church.

The SAVISTHRI movement launches a campaign to protest against the increase in petrol and seed prices, as well as those of basic goods. A petition is sent off to the President to take “urgent measures”.

Rajapaksa pledges essential services and new elections in eastern region after wresting control away from Tamil Tigers. He still has harsh words for the rebels, who still control parts of the country and announce new attacks.

Fishing communities complain about 30 per cent hike in kerosene price. Colombo approves government fuel subsidies but then turns around and raises prices blaming the civil war and the tsunami for the economic crisis.

Following an accord between the government and Tigers to spare the campus around the famous Marian shrine from clashes, around 3,000 people went to pray for peace. The local clergy hope that if the two parties keep their word, more pilgrims will go for the feast of the Assumption on 15 August.

The government has done away with value-added tax on a range of essential foods, from flour to sugar, in a bid to keep prices down. The people have responded favourably.

The Catholic community in Anuradhapura is participating in the celebrations of Poson, which marks the dawn of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Parish churches are decorated in typical lanterns; young people prepare traditional drinks for travelling pilgrims in a climate of “great unity.”

V. Anandasangaree, president of TULF, writes to the head of the Tigers, accusing him of having installed a regime of terror and of having thrown the country into an abyss of poverty and pain: “the situation is out of control, the only solution is to negotiate federalism”.

In a message published in two local Catholic papers, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka expresses its solidarity with Tamils forced to leave abandon homes and livelihood. Bishops call for respect of the constitution’s human rights provisions.

Marist founder, Fr Marcellin Champagnat, was celebrated in Negombo on June 10. His feast day, which went under the banner of “One heart one mission”, was also marked by another special event, the first assembly of Marist laymen. Educating and taking care of the young, especially in the most distressed areas, is their mission.

Tourism and Defence ministries re-establish Tourist Police Division to ensure security in tourist areas and protect tourists. People in the tourist sector hope it might re-launch the industry.

Government expresses regrets over the forced eviction of almost 400 Tamils from the capital, ostensibly for security reasons, saying police made a mistake. After many protests Supreme Court blocks eviction order and removal to northern native villages.