Melani Manel Perera

Auxiliary Bishop Mgr Emmanuel Fernando is behind the initiative. Donations will go to the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal in Kathmandu. The Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMRS) is also raising money for Caritas Nepal.

An international meeting organised by the Sisters of the Holy Family is currently underway in Wennappuwa. Its goal is to give a broader formation to younger women religious.

Noelin Rupa Fernando, was hit by a brain tumor. The woman asked Jesus for a "miracle" and "the love of Jesus healed me." The whole community prayed for her, supported and encouraged her. Her illness is "a good lesson for all" and now she asks God's blessing for loved ones.

The US Secretary of State ended a visit to the country yesterday. Inter-ethnic reconciliation six years after the end of civil war was one of the issue discussed with Tamil leaders. For Kerry, investigating war crimes is a key point, "No matter how painful the truth is".

Parliament passes the 19th amendment reintroducing term limits to presidential mandate and reduces the powers of office. Civil Society: "A blessing for the people and the nation." The previous constitutional amendment had transformed the country into a semi dictatorship.

Sister Miriam Deepa Fernando represented Sri Lanka at an international conference on ‘Peace and reconciliation in the context of Asia’. After the Civil War, we must follow Jesus who “had the idea of bringing together all his scattered children into one family as well as building unity and communion.”

New Year celebrations begin with the cleaning of the house and the lighting of an oil lamp. The rest of the day is punctuated by auspicious moments. A Catholic celebrated the festivity with his Hindu neighbours "in a gesture of peace and harmony."

The Catholic woman (who converted from Buddhism) did not accept her son's decision to marry a young poor Buddhist woman. For five years, the two have had no contact until this Lent when Nirmala forgave her son, overcoming misunderstandings.

For over a year the Catholic activist cannot leave the country or speak with the media. In 2014 he was arrested "for terrorism" for defending another activist. A court released him but has imposed a restraining order.

An interview with Lavina Hasanthi Perera, Women's Desk coordinator of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO). The northeast of the country is home to over 85 thousand widows. The abuses of the military; rising drug addiction among children; life in refugee camps without health facilities, water systems and education.

Ragama Parish called on its members to host the crucifix and open their doors to their fellow Christians every day to pray together. About 4,800 families are involved. For the community, this is an opportunity to "develop a communion" between the different members.

The Indian Prime Minister is on the last leg of his tour of insular South Asia. AsiaNews speaks to Herman Kumara, a prominent activist for the rights of fishermen. The visit is a good sign "for stronger relations," but Colombo has to learn to talk to its citizens.