Melani Manel Perera

Dilmah Conservation, an association that deals with sustainable development sets a new goal. Founded as an offshoot of one of the largest tea brands in the country, the foundation has organized a "two day campaign" to raise awareness among children and adults. The founder, a Catholic, affirms: "As Christians we have a responsibility to protect the environment and people".

This is the spirit with which the inhabitants of Wewala, all Catholics, attended the Marian rally. Led by their pastor the procession stopped at eight different areas of the village, reciting rosaries and chanting hymns. Thanks to the blessings of the Virgin, the priest says "we have improved our relations of friendship, brotherhood and love."

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) accuses Sri Lankan authorities on the 66th anniversary of the country's independence. In his official address, the president warns against "foreign forces" and their sinister designs.

Presidential Commission ends the first stage of its investigation in the Kilinochchi District (northeastern Sri Lanka). Investigators received 106 complaints and heard 76 witnesses. Some 11,500 complaints have been recorded nation-wide.

At least 200 refugees, including more than 50 children, have been stranded in Negombo for nearly three years. UNHCR authorities have not yet recognised their rights as refugees. The inability to get an education and crime are their most serious problems. "In Pakistan, we are treated like enemies," some young people said, "but as Christians, there is no peace in our country."

Herman Kumara, a special guest at the World Forum for Fisher People (WFFP) and president of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFS), talks to AsiaNews about the ongoing negotiations between New Delhi and Colombo. After the release of detained fishermen, the two nations now aim at stopping incursions into each other's territorial waters.

By mutual agreement , New Delhi will release 160 Sri Lankan men and four boats and Colombo will release 236 Indian men and 90 boats. Vexed question of territorial incursions by fishermen momentarily resolved.

For more than a year and a half, refugees from the village of Mullikulam (northern Sri Lanka) have been living in Marichchikattu Forest. With little chance of fishing and farming after the Navy seized their land, they cannot even pick fruit from trees. "Treated like foreigners," the villagers have "lost hope",

The Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) organised an event for a group of Tamil war refugees to "teach children and adults how to work and live together without barriers and divisions". On this occasion, the children performed traditional songs and dances with the help of the Sisters of the Holy Family.

Bakhti Prabodhanaya has been published by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate since 1899. International schools and the country's Tamil community had been asking for an English edition. The magazine sells 12.000 copies per month focusing on the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, family issues and ethics.

Sister Deepa Fernando (Sisters of the Holy Family) expresses the affection the people of Sri Lanka have for the Holy Father. According to the nun, the Pope calls for "men and women to enjoy equal and inviolable dignity," urging the clergy to "proclaim the Word in a missionary way, focusing on the essentials, giving priority to the Gospel and its freshness."

The former British colony marks the passing of the anti-apartheid leader with a special event organised by an interfaith organisation at the South African High Commission in Colombo. Buddhist, Catholic, Christian and Hindu leaders offer a special prayer for the late president.