Melani Manel Perera

It is the first time after 30 years of ethnic conflict that the Northern Province returns to vote. The new governor is C.V. Wigneswaran, former Supreme Court judge. Many boycott attempts, even a few hours before the opening of the polls.

A monk and four of his followers attacked the Pentecostal community in Meegoda, accusing its pastor of "forced conversions" and of "destroying" Buddhist culture. The police have ignored the complaints of Christians. "The attack is unmotivated," Buddhist Lawyer said. "As a Buddhist, I feel embarrassed because real Buddhism is not about attacking and killing."

For university professor Praneeth Abeysundara, young people can find support and protection in the Church and the Christian community, especially in today's world, where "modern media can destroy the lives of young people." The latter must learn to evaluate what they have in front of them.

The well-known human rights activist died of cancer at the age of 61. For over 20 years, she worked for the emancipation of women in her country and in South Asia. During the civil war, she was a voice for all ethnic and religious groups, trying to find common ground for dialogue and peace.

Plainclothes officers show up at night at the home of Jesuit Fr VeerasanYogeswaran to interrogate him about his meeting with the UN Human Rights High Commissioner. The priest works with victims of political violence. "What does the government want to hide?" Catholic activist asks.

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay expressed this concern at the end of an official visit to the country. Although the government allowed her to move freely, priests and activists have reported threats against them. The UN official also met with relatives of people who disappeared.

The woman started to go on pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lanka when she was 27. Now she goes back every year for the Day of the Blessing of the Sick with the husband and children to thank the Virgin for her intercession during the difficult moments of her life.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is in Colombo at the start of a five-day visit. She plans to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa and make short trips to the country's hotspots.

The government is providing drinking water to more than 15 villages affected by the problem of water pollution, but supplies are insufficient and too expensive for local residents, who, after the violence of the army, are "scared and frustrated," unable to pay for water to drink and to bathe their children.

Singers Rookantha and Chandraleka were subjected to a punitive raid by the President's Security Division in 2000 because of their support for the main opposition party. The officers robbed them of jewels and other precious objects, and threatened to kill the family. After 13 years, the court convicted the perpetrators of the attack.

The President of Sri Lanka issues order after a meeting with all parties involved. The Dipped Products Plc. is accused by local people of polluting the water. During yet another peaceful protest to demand controls, the army opens fire, killing three young men.

On 9 and 10 August, a mob led by Buddhist religious leaders attacked the Muslim community of Colombo, throwing stones at the mosque and makeshift homes. Five people were injured. The police impose a curfew, but fails to quell violence. Muslim Council of Sri Lanka: "The non-intervention by police is a clear violation of the rights of Muslims in the country."