Melani Manel Perera

The Bishops' Conference has presented a pastoral letter , addressed " not to a government , a president or a party in particular", but the situation in general. It outlines a number of measures to foster reconciliation: the resettlement of war refugees; finding out the truth about disappearances and deaths; eliminate all forms of torture.

For months, Sunesh has been receiving phone calls from a stranger telling him to quit his job or have his head "hanging on the street." His complaints to the police prove useless. Although police know the identity of the caller, they also told the activist to find him himself. His wife, who was shadowed by a stranger, was forced to seek refuge with her brother. "I will not stop my activities," the activist said, "but I am looking for protection. I am afraid for myself and my family."

In an interview, Sister Dulice Fernando SDS, provincial superior of the Sisters of the Divine Saviour in Sri Lanka, talks about the celebrations surrounding the 60th anniversary of their presence in the Asian nation. Education, health and pastoral care are the congregation's main missions. In the island formerly known as Ceylon, the sisters have also been closely involved in helping war victims.

A government-sponsored survey of damages (to people and property) caused by the country's civil war gets underway. For some priests and activists, the investigation is "not credible" because it is being conducted by the government, which has been accused of war crimes. Tamil activist says, "The president creates commissions to escape awkward situations."

The 53-year-old woman discovered she had contracted the virus from her husband, a migrant worker, who could not resist the shame and committed suicide. Faith in God, family support and the encouragement of an HIV-positive doctor led Princy Mangalika to establish an NGO for people with HIV/AIDS. In Sri Lanka, the disease is still stigmatised, even though at least 3,000 people are affected. "They threatened me and tried to set fire to my house," she said, "but I thank the Lord for showing me the way."

Two men accused Fr SS Johnpillai, parish priest at Our Lady of Guadalupe, of celebrating a Mass in honour of the founder of the Tamil Tigers. Although the priest denied the claim, his attackers put a gun to his head. Without showing any identity papers, the two men said they were with Special Forces and that they had come to question him. Sri Lanka's military denies any involvement.

The government has decided to turn a village into a luxury tourist hub, with large hotels and casinos. The site is located near the international airport. Card. Ranjith , President of the Episcopal Conference , condemns the decision: " Yes to development, but our land is not for sale ."

Shanthakumara, 21, is married and living in the settled community of Kudagama. With great willpower and love for Christ, he got an education and opened a store which employs other young people. His goal is to help fellow Gypsies empower themselves "without losing our culture and traditions."

In order to prevent commemorations of the birth of rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, the government has banned all events that directly or indirectly honour the rebels. For some people, "This is a violation of basic human rights".

Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, announces a Marian Year to start on 30 November. For him, the Virgin "is the best possible example of how to live a life of faith". The country's Catholics are invited to take part in the pilgrimage to the shrine of Madhu, an event that always raises great expectations.

Announced by the recently established government Commission for Human Rights. Local and Commonwealth experts will participate in the investigation. For the British Prime Minister it is "insufficient" and urges Colombo to accept a completely independent commission of inquiry.

During the meeting of the leaders of Commonwealth on 15-17 November, hundreds of Sri Lankans, from north to south, met foreign journalists to tell their tragic stories. During the conflict, husbands and sons were taken away in white vans never to be seen again. "The president knows the truth," some say.