Melani Manel Perera

Several natural disasters and road traffic accidents are reported on 24 and 25 December, forcing many Christians to forego Christmas celebrations. However, in Colombo, the archdiocese and Caritas bring some hope to people in need.

Since 2006 the people of Mullikulam in the north have been kept from the land they were forced to abandon during the war between the army and Tamil Tigers. 95% Catholic, they denounce "the authorities have seized everything." Parents are unemployed and their families lack basic necessities. Activist calls for diocesan intervention for refugees.

Many events are organised in Colombo and northern Sri Lanka to celebrate the birth of Jesus, ‘prince of peace’. Concerts, dances and gift giving are part of the initiatives involving Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim religious and spiritual leaders, in an atmosphere of national harmony, after 30 years of war.

Caritas national director Fr George Sigamony focuses on the importance of migrant workers for the country’s economy. He highlights the many problems migrants face abroad, such as unpaid wages, poor assistance, and harassment. As Mgr Swampillai, bishop of Trincomalee-Batticaloa, points out, migrants are “a burning issue” that requires correct solutions.

The winners thank the Church for the invitation to analyze and improve society, pointing to new paths to Christ. Art forms are a “powerful” means to create a better world. Mahinda Namal, Kithusara editor, points out the inseparable link between religion and artist.

The government proposes to abolish the National Anthem in the Tamil language. According to some Catholic priests and social activists, endorsing the decision means the rights of ethnic minorities are not recognized in Sri Lanka. And they reiterate that "this country must learn from past mistakes."

A press conference spells out the serious impact that the Sea Plane project will have on the area. At the expense of fish and 25 species of migratory birds that live there. The statements by environmentalists join the many pleas of fishermen, for whom the lagoon is the only means of livelihood.

The girl has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, accused of murdering an infant, son of the woman that Rizana worked for. In three mosques meetings were organized to pray and sign the "Save Rizana” petition. The signatures will be sent to the king of Saudi Arabia, hoping he will grant clemency for the girl. Since 2007, Fr. Sigamony, national director of Caritas Sri Lanka, has been working for the release of Rizana.

The newly appointed cardinal, says the head of state, is an "honor for the whole nation." Peace and harmony between religions, the most important efforts made by the Archbishop of Colombo in the service of the country. Cardinal confirms the work of Catholics for the unity of Sri Lanka and the fight against terrorism.

Human Rights Day marks the struggle against the abuse of power in many countries. Basil Fernando, director of the Asian Human Rights Commission, speaks to AsiaNews about the difficult situation in his native country of Sri Lanka. He stresses how the integrity of the judicial system is essential to protect the rights of citizens.

"It is important to keep public awareness high about the danger of contagion," says Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. The number of cases have dropped significantly since September. Colombo district among worst hit, with 5.66 cases.

The government wants to build a tourist resort on Negombo Lagoon that will include a seaplane port. The construction would destroy the livelihoods of thousands of people. Two activists are arrested and then released. The local Church backs the fisher people in their demands.