Melani Manel Perera

Catholic sources tell AsiaNews that agents forced their way into the campus of Jaffna University, threatening female students with guns. Tamil students were planning to commemorate in a peaceful manner 'Heroes' Day,' the birthday of a Tamil Tigers leader. Plainclothes police threw stones at an opposition lawmaker who wanted to talk to the students. Police called on local priests not to celebrate Mass to "avoid tensions".

109 new recruits will form the 6th Women's Army Corps of the country. The young people will earn 30,000 rupees per month (180 euro), and their families will enjoy the privileges granted by their military status. "A milestone in the peace process."

United Nations Special Rapporteur Gabriela Knaul speaks out against the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. For her, reprisals and disciplinary measures against judges are unacceptable.

A proposal by the Northern Province Fisher People's Alliance (NPFPA) to that effect is designed to stop Indian encroachment that threatens the survival of northern communities. The same goes for southern fishermen whose practices depletes resources and undermines prices.

The Bishops' Conference warns parliament over Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake's impeachment. The motion against her does not mention what offences she allegedly committed. Civil society groups and Catholic and Buddhist leaders have criticised the motion, viewed as an attempt to interfere with the justice system. Bishops say that executive, legislative and judicial powers must remain separated.

The Bishops' Conference has picked next Sunday to challenge the government's proposal to legalise abortion. On that day, the faithful will be asked to pray and raise awareness. Fund raising will take place at the parish level to help pregnant women who are single or poor.

The cardinal is set to visit 212 families from Mullikulam who are living in the jungle. Defence Minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa will accompany him.

Christian and Buddhist religious leaders, activists and families mark the 22nd National Commemoration of Disappeared Persons. Two Tamil women tell respectively about their missing husband and son. The president of the Families of the Disappeared asks President Rajapaksa why he denies that such things happen in Sri Lanka.

The authorities deny the claim but plan to tax water for domestic and agricultural use. Water Resources Board says fees will protect water quality. For activists, it is "gross violation of the human rights of the citizens of Sri Lanka."

National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) receives the award in recognition of the efforts of individuals or associations for food sovereignty. AsiaNews interviews Herman Kumara, President NAFSO and permanent member of the World Forum for Fisher People (WFFP).

Selvarasa Kumaran Pathmanathan, also known by his initials KP, headed the rebels' international section. For the government, there is no evidence against him. However, Interpol still wants him for arms smuggling in Asia, Canada, United States and Europe. Activists complain he was not regularly tried.

Strengthening the priesthood, develoing a Christian conscience in children; care for the needs of other communities: these are some of the challenges presented by the Archbishop of Colombo in the opening Mass of the Year proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. Priests, nuns, religious and laity must "strengthen their faith." The "fullness of the mystery of God" which "invites us to a new life."