Melani Manel Perera

Some 6,000 children from diocesan catechism classes attend the Mass led by Card Ranjith. The new saint is praised as a model missionary for children and adults.

His military grades and civil rights are restored, including the ability to stand in elections, the general was ousted by former President Rajapaksa. After receiving the amnesty, the former army chief says: "The most cruel leader of this country has tried to uproot me from history. I am ready to work for Sri Lanka and for the people."

Catholic and Hindu communities most affected by the war remember the visit of Francis to the Marian shrine of Madhu, in the north of the country with joy. "His example teaches us to respect all religions and to allow everyone to practice their own."

Words of thanks of the Archbishop of Colombo and President of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka at the end of the canonization of Joseph Vaz. Recovery after the civil war is "a difficult road. We need his prayers and blessings."

Dr Jehan Perera, executive director of the National Peace Council, talks about Pope Francis' visit to Sri Lanka. The pope offered people the "possibility of collectively remembering the past" and to shape the future together. The government has to accept "the reality of Sri Lanka as a multi0ethnic and multi-religious country."

The pontiff's visit triggered many emotions. The organisation left something to be desired because not everyone was able to take part in all the events. To mark the occasion, the government pardoned 692 prisoners.

Tens of thousands of young people came together in Colombo's Galle Face Green for the canonisation of the Apostle of Sri Lanka. For a young woman, who is thinking about becoming a nun, the new saint "encourages us Sri Lankans to devote ourselves to others, now more than ever." Young Catholic man said, "I want to dedicate myself to proclaiming the Word of God to others".

The pope's visit has great value even for Sri Lanka's non-Christian communities. For a Buddhist teacher, "Sri Lankans have to think as a single nationality, regardless of ethnicity, faith or caste." For Muslim activist, "our political and religious leaders should follow his example."

Everything is ready on the island for the apostolic visit. Everywhere, Catholics have placed Vatican flags and the pope's pictures on streets, churches, schools and houses to mark the event. During the visit, the pontiff will canonise Joseph Vaz and is expected to meet with the victims of the country's civil war during his visit to the Marian Shrine at Madhu.

The elections' outsider defeated the closing head of State Rajapaksa with a majority of 51.28%. His promise: to reduce president's powers and come back to a parliamentary democracy.

Some 15 million registered voters will cast their ballot tomorrow to pick a new president. The outgoing president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is running for a third term. A former ally, who has a good chance of winning, is running against him. Still, many fear fraud and violence. Christians call for a change of system.

According to the latest information, 36 people have died and 20 have been injured in the floods. Hundreds of thousands of people have found shelter in temporary relief camps. More than 4,500 homes have been destroyed, with an additional 14,500 partially damaged.