Melani Manel Perera

In an official ceremony in Trincomalee 2 thousand dollars are presented to over 40 children from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Young mothers widowed of husbands swallowed up by the 2004 monster wave and over 20 years of armed conflict express their gratitude.

The auxiliary bishop of Colombo traces the harsh economic repercussions of the civil war on the tourism industry, trade and the daily life of the people: “Without peace, we are nearing disaster.”

The premier met the relatives of men who have been missing for years in the waters near the war front. They ask the authorities to investigate their disappearance, who may have been forced to join the Tamil rebels, and to guarantee them economic support and food aid. The prime minister listens but makes no promises.

After yesterday’s rebel raid on the outskirts of the capital Colombo, the Minister for Information has guaranteed to adopt “every possible measure” to destroy Tamil air power. The noise of explosions throws the capital’s population into panic, most of whom had been glued to the Cricket world cup finals.

Celebrations for Vesak will last the month. In every village and city painting, decorations and lanterns are prepared.

Various organisations took part in a non violent protest rally in front of Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Ministry in early April demanding protection for fishermen rights and limits on foreign fishing.

The Jaffna Commission for Justice and Peace writes to the Pope on the eve of his meeting with President Rajapakse, asking him to urge the Sri Lankan leader to respect the 2002 cease-fire, investigate local disappearances, and re-open routes to allow delivery of humanitarian aid. Local Catholics have doubts and question motives for the visit. Let us hope it will “contribute to peace,” says Nuncio Zenari.

Each month hundreds of elderly, from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, make their way on foot to the local post office to withdraw their miserly doles. Tired and debilitated by a life of abject poverty, they are welcomed by members of the AsiPA group, who offer them a herbal drink and above all make them feel “loved and cared for”, at least for a short while.

The Sri Lankan government launches foreign-funded projects to satisfy the country’s growing energy needs. The 150 MW Upper Kotmale power plant’s second phase begins but the government seems to privilege two controversial coal power plants funded by China and India.

The archbishop of Colombo yesterday appealed to the faithful asking them to help more than 150,000 people displaced by the current crisis in the country’s north-eastern region. All donations will go to the ‘Refugee Fund – 2007’.

The authorities are discussing new legislation to contain the emigration of mothers with children under five years of age. But the Church proposes: instead of limitations the government should offer work alternatives to keep them in their home country.

Sign language ceremony is a sign of hope for a population burdened by war. The hearing-impaired gather for thanksgiving mass and prayer.