Melani Manel Perera

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.

International Women’s Day was held amid great concern in Sri Lanka. No celebration till peace is what many women say. Meanwhile thousands of civilians flee the Batticaloa area as warring sides get ready to fight.

The 60th National Day of the Child is celebrated at Tewatte’s National Basilica; youths from all over the archdiocese of Colombo pray to Our Lady to bring peace, “true peace, the one children have never known.” For Archbishop Gomis, it is an opportunity “to pray as one family.”

The International Federation of Journalists has voiced alarm following the arrest of journalists who were critical of the government. A Sinhalese-language weekly Mawbima has been targeted. A director and young Tamil journalist have been arrested.

The Sinhalese president is in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Eight bilateral accords were signed in different sectors. China is building the first, controversial coal-fired power station on the island and aims to contain the influence of the Indian giant in the region.

In a message the Episcopal Conference urges penitence and renewed vigour in the fight against evil in favour of peace. The memory of Christ crucified invites us not to tolerate injustices or show indifference before pain. Prayer and acts of devotion invoke a true and lasting peace for the country.