Melani Manel Perera

The 2017 government budget involves taking 20,000 acres (8,093 hectares). Some land has already been given to private companies, which fenced it off. Thousands of people have been displaced and forced to seek work elsewhere. This could destabilise the country and cause unrest.

Celebrations began on 9 December with a "chain rosary", ending on the 12th with a blessing. The faithful included a group of pilgrims who travelled by train. After decorating their carriages, they sang Christmas carols and recited the rosary during the trip.

Herman Kumara, a Catholic, heads the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement. Bridging the gap between southern and northern fishermen, and influencing public policy are some of the group’s achievements. Nevertheless, its members still receive threats, and deep ethnic differences persist.

The Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences is taking place in Sri Lanka. On the eve of the meeting, Sri Lanka’s president met with a delegation of bishops. Catholics promote the social and religious life of the population.

The anniversary was celebrated to coincide with World Fisheries Day. The first step towards the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement took place in 1993. Formally, the association was established in 1997, with people from all religious backgrounds. It advocates human rights, sustainable development, and the protection of the environment, land and resources.

At least 160 people have been detained since 2009. At the end of the civil war nearly 15,000 were arrested on suspicion of links with the Tamil Tigers. Families slam confessions obtained by deception.

In June, a huge fire damaged more than 2,000 homes. The owners of those with minor damages, about half of the total, were able to go home. The others still live in houses rented by the government. The authorities have paid for the houses but not for tools and furniture. Damage assessments undervalue losses. Many of those who lost their jobs as a result of the fire are still unemployed.

A monk threatens a bloodbath among Muslims if the police does not arrest their leaders. Another monk insults and assaults a Tamil employee. Rather than reacting to the violence, police seem complicitous. In one year, 132 cases of aggression against Christians, 141 against Muslims.

Leaders sign a ten-point initiative that includes, among other things, action to support and develop relations of friendship and respect for each other’s faith. Good relations between Christians and Muslims can be the prelude to harmony among all religious communities.

The current president and prime minister as well as a former president sent a congratulatory message. Sinhalese Buddhist nationalists urge the new president to defeat terrorism. “Relations between our two countries have been strengthened since my election as President,” said Sirisena.

Houses in the 47-acre settlement in Keeramalai measure 50 m2 each. The initiative stems from a visit by the president shortly after his election.

The National Movement for the Release of Political Prisoners backs the campaign. Tamil rebels captured before and during the civil war, but also some Sinhalese are in jail. Activists criticise prison treatment and confessions extracted under torture.