Melani Manel Perera

The Anglican Bishop Duleep De Chickera condemns the sentencing of the Gen. Fonseka, reiterating the need for a fair trial in the interest of the country. The commander’s case of the is just the latest in a trend of arbitrary applications of the law that lead to a "critical point" in the nation’s political history.

Almost one hundred Sinhalese families are staging a protest at Jaffna railway station, refusing to move. They want the government to give them their old homes back. But resettlement has to wait until the families can come with papers proving they are the legal owners. The authorities are also trying to get financial assistance from Muslim nations for Muslim refugees.

Approximately 350 children participated in a gathering to pray together and learn the importance of the rosary, remembering the mystery of Fatima.

As the demand for the general’s release gains support in religious, intellectual and political circles, AsiaNews speaks to Left Front leader Vickramabahu Karunaratne.

The Bishops’ Conference appeals to President Rajapaksa to free Fonseka in view of his services to the nation. Buddhist leaders do the same. Large sections of the nation mobilise to support the general, demanding his release.

They only count for 10% of the population but do not receive adequate health care or pensions. More than 600 people, Sinhalese and Tamils, Buddhists and Muslims celebrate the World Day of the elderly in Colombo. The meeting on 1 October organised by HelpAge Sri Lanka, the only charity association to assist old people across the country.

The video will be provided free of charge to schools where Christianity is not taught. Youngsters, not professional actors, play the leading role.

Politicians, human rights activists and religious leaders took part in a peaceful sit-in in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Colombo yesterday. They called on the world not to forget, highlighting the difficulties democracy encounters in Sri Lanka itself.

Rajapaksa lists his country’s successes at the anti-poverty summit, says Buddhist values are the reason. In 17 years, poverty rate drops 11 per cent, as literary reaches 97 per cent.

Court martial sentences General Fonseka to three years in prison for corruption. The final verdict now awaits President Rakapaksa’s signature. Activists and opposition parties protest what they see as an attack against justice and democracy.

The initiative launched in parallel with the national book fair in Colombo will involve all the parishes from September 19 to 26. Over 34 thousand theological, spiritual and historical texts inspired by Christian tradition donated by individuals, to be sold by volunteers into the various realities of the archdiocese.

Published by the Archdiocese of Colombo, the paper covers all aspects of the news. It will provide Tamil Catholics a wider coverage of the life of the Church. Colombo Catholics welcome the new publication with enthusiasm and satisfaction. Its creators speak about it.