Melani Manel Perera

In the capital the traditional Buddhist New Year is transformed into a national holiday to mark peace after 30 years of war, but in the north more than 83 thousand people are still kept prisoner in camps.

Since 1990 the area of high security forces thousands of people in the Jaffna peninsula to live like displaced persons. Douglas Devananda, Tamil leader and former minister in Rajapaksa’s government, celebrates his victory in April 8 elections and ensures that the president wants the same freedom for the Tamils as enjoyed by the population of the south.

Archdiocese of Colombo renews an aid project for over 200 needy. Medical care, specialist visits and medicines provided through the efforts of the Church and help of 10 government doctors. For the future the goal is to expand to the nearby district of Gampaha.

Rajapaksa has a wide lead in the number of seats won. However, he is not likely to get the two-thirds majority needed to change the constitution unilaterally. Voter turnout hits record lows, down to 50 per cent in some places. Catholic and Buddhist religious leaders appeal for harmony and cooperation in the interest of the country.

The first election without the danger of terrorist attacks. The President (defined the "king") aims to win two-thirds of parliament to launch economic and political reforms. The minorities fear being marginalized. Religious leaders, Christians and Buddhists call for dialogue and peaceful elections.

The supervisory committees denounce censorship in the media and violence in various parts of the country. President receives support from TV astrologers. Leading personalities from Catholic and secular world express doubts over the vote. Archbishop of Colombo: protect multiculturalism and protect minorities.

Easter message of the Bishops Conference. The problems of refugees, poverty, the upcoming elections. The proposal to change life, following "the path of acceptance and reconciliation."

A Dominican priest and the Anglican bishop of Colombo speaks to AsiaNews of the meaning of Holy Week and Easter in the midst of daily life and current problems.

An Interfaith Coalition, which brings together representatives of the four main religions, calls on all candidates and citizens to act without violence in the elections on 8 April. The joint commitment to ensure a free vote.

The faithful of the dioceses involved in prayer, retreats and pilgrimages to commemorate the Holy Cross and prepare themselves for Easter. Helping the poor, with donations of money. The stories of individual dioceses.

The sanctuary of Myliddy, founded by the Portuguese and devastated by the Dutch, was abandoned during the long civil war. It has now been restored with the help of the military, and reopened. A hope that life can return to normal in Jaffna.

The country is moving towards parliamentary elections set for 8 April amidst divisions and uncertainties. Catholic groups stress the importance of voting based on a global Christian worldview centred on the human person. They invite everyone to address social problems together.