Melani Manel Perera

The people blocked (75% women) were from the north and went to Colombo to protest against enforced disappearances. Police and army speak of "security reasons", but witnesses tell of threats.

Anton Meemana, Catholic Professor describes Benedict XVI’s pontificate "a stupendous work of God." The Pope emeritus has promoted and expanded the scope of the evangelizing mission because of his historical decision which makes history. The ability to resign is a sign of true faith in God

Lakshan Dias backed Supreme Court Justice Shirani Bandaranayake when she was removed from office by parliament. His colleagues fear he might be kidnapped or be the victim of physical violence.

This is what the spokesman for the Archdiocese of Colombo said following the pope's resignation. The clergyman stressed Benedict XVI's endurance in the face of scandals and crisis affecting the Church during his pontificate.

Led by the bishop of Mannar, some 133 members of the clergy want the United Nations Human Rights Council to implement the UN war crimes resolution. The group also calls for the demilitarisation of the country's north-eastern region and a stop to government authoritarianism.

The Sri Lankan Sudeshkar stabbed his colleague, of Indian origin, and admitted the crime. In agreement with the relatives of the victim, his parents have to collect 3.5 million rupees (20,600 euro) by February, or he will be executed.

Established in the 1960s, the historic facility's mandate is to promote scientific education on Jaffna Peninsula. During the country's civil war (1983-2009), the station was shut down. The new centre hopes to bring students from across Sri Lanka to work together for reconciliation on the island nation.

Organised by the Anglican Church, the peaceful protest underscores ethnic discrimination in the country. Religious leader calls on Christians to speak out against violations.

Since 2005 there have been 138 attacks on media institutions, and 17 journalists have died in unclear circumstances. The government has never found the culprits of murders, forced disappearances and arson attacks.

A new law would extend police power to detain suspects for 48 hours without an arrest warrant. For the government, the new rule helps investigations. Human rights critics warn that it threatens fundamental human rights.

Prageeth Eknaligoda, a journalist and political cartoonist, disappeared in 2010 without trace. For his wife, he was seized because of his opposition to current President Rajapaksa. She told AsiaNews that she would continue to fight despite the lack of money for herself and her children.

She has refused any financial help following the execution of the girl, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia in 2007. Church and civil society in the country are organizing petitions and collecting signatures to demand laws in Sri Lanka to protect migrant workers.