Melani Manel Perera

In the Queen of Heaven Church, the bishop of Mannar called on those present to pray for the community that it may go back to its village. Almost a thousand people took part in the event. Two months ago, the government resettled the refugees in a jungle. For about 150 Catholics from southern Sri Lanka who attended the ceremony, "This is an insult to every human being."

Organised by the Federation of University Teachers' Association (FUTA), the rally brings together students, teachers and religious leaders opposed to the closing of universities. Police block a peaceful rally before it ends. In July, FUTA went on strike for better salaries and more investments in education.

The Jaffna Diocese Commission for Justice and Peace (Cjpcdj) argues that the reality in northern Sri Lanka (devastated by civil war) differs from official version presented to the international community. Hundreds of thousands of refugees still to be resettled; territory militarised; Buddhism forced on people; worship of other faiths banned; war cemeteries desecrated.

Medical faculties remain open, but the government wants to end the two-month long professors' strike. Teachers want better salaries and more money for education. A mass demonstration is planned for tomorrow.

The attack occurred on 9 August in Deniyaya, southern Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa's brother-in-law was present. The two, who belong to the Assembly of God Church, are accused of handing out Christian religious material in the area.

The three-day conference is being held in the capital from 8 to 10 August. This is the second event of its kind. The focus is on the five Rs: reconstruction, resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and reconciliation. After the defeat of Tamil rebels, Sri Lanka is "one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world," Defence minister says.

With branches in 16 districts, the Active Citizenship for Development Network organises a conference on the topic. One of its goals is to provide proposals and ideas to the authorities for the 2013 budget.

For the first time, 215 families have received medical and food aid: rice, flour, milk powder, soap and medicines. Driven from their village in the district of Mannar 20 years ago, Tamil Catholics now live in a jungle, with no chance of work.

Since 1812, the ecumenical organization translates, publishes and distributes copies of the Bible in Tamil, Sinhalese and English. AsiaNews interviews Lakshani Fernando, current Secretary General of the CBS.

Sri Lanka responds to United Nations' demands on alleged war crimes committed by the military in last phase of the civil war in 2009 with a National Action Plan that demilitarises the north of the island nation.

So far this year, police recorded 975 cases and 20 thousand complaints reported to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA). Over the past five years, the country has registered 6,343 incidents of rape and 15,158 of child abuse. Among the main causes: the lowering of the level of education, spread of internet and mobile phones and cocaine and alcohol abuse.

Millrad Monica Wickramaratna Denipitiya celebrated her 75th birthday with her 11 children, 29 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The years spent with the nuns of the Good Shepherd, whose teachings she passed onto her family, were crucial.