Melani Manel Perera

Meeting with Muslim delegates from around the world, the president of the country spoke of cases of religious intolerance perpetrated by radical Buddhist groups. One of these fundamentalist formations announces plans to open new offices in Russia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Buddhika, 24, has recently started adult catechism. Raised as a Buddhist like his father (his mother is Catholic), he decided to convert after his engagement to Manaasha, a young Christian woman who "lives a beautiful and deep faith that struck me from the beginning." To the objections of his Buddhist friends, he says, "everyone has the right [. . .] to live as he wants" and "my conversion does not cause them any harm."

The teenage girl grew up in Marc Sri, a facility open to elderly and children in need. She has no arms, lives in a wheelchair and yet was able to learn to use the computer and hold a pen with her right foot. "Sometimes it is hard," she said, "but you should always try to see the beauty of what you receive, and be yourself."

At Welikada prison, about 100 detainees are Christian. With the Sisters of the Holy Family they prepared the Way of the Cross and Easter mass. "In prison - explain some women - God gives us the opportunity to reflect on our past life."

Led by Buddhist monks, the group threw stones at a store and injured dozens of people. Two extremist Sinhalese-Buddhist associations target the Muslim and Christian minorities to "protect the Sinhala race and the Buddhist religion."

Religious and civil society leaders give their first impressions of the new bishop of Rome. For them, his election is "a push to bring Christ into the lives of the needy." Some Tamil students invited him to visit Sri Lanka soon.

The Muslim Rights Organisation (MRO) will launch a peaceful protest against the widespread anti-Islamic feeling of some radical groups of Sinhalese-Buddhists. Growing religious intolerance and social boycott of Muslim minority.

The United Nation Human Rights Council calls on Sri Lankan authorities to help war victims and conduct "independent and credible" investigations. The government rejects the accusations, ordinary citizens complain that the government is investing money earmarked for refugee housing in tourist projects instead.

Ruki Fernando sees the new Pope as an example for all Catholics in the country, as well as political leaders. The humility of Pope Francis, the Church of the poor and for the poor.

The Archdiocese of Colombo organized a mass to coincide with celebration in St. Peter's Square. A Catholic: "The pope will bring the love and understanding gifted over the years to his country to the world." Apostolic Nuncio: "We walk together as a people of God."

Each Friday during Lent, the pupils of Uchchamunai Island's primary school (Western Province) re-enact the Via Crucis. They do it on their own because they do not have permanent teachers. Local residents are all Tamil Catholics and Mass is held only once a month.

The conclave to elect Benedict XVI's successor begins this afternoon. Catholic theologian Anton Meemama talks about the future pontiff, who is much awaited by Catholics and non-Catholics in the Third World.