Melani Manel Perera

An inter-faith gathering brings together 3,000 Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims in Colombo to pray for a peaceful election. Opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka gets major endorsements. There is talk of coup if outgoing President Rajapaksa loses.

Sri Lanka to elect president in a climate of increasing violence. More than 700 incidents during the election campaign and at least 4 dead. An international commission will visit the Asian nation during polling to prevent fraud and violence.

The Campaign for Free and Fair elections (CaFFE) releases its report. Head of Election Commission says he will quit right after the election, accuses media of giving in to political pressure. The race between Rajapaksa and Fonseka is played out on the two rivals’ personality and charisma.

Solemn celebrations will mark the 300th anniversary of the death of the country’s only blessed, who is considered the apostle of Sri Lanka. The faithful show great devotion. The sacred wooden cross he left is 300-year-old.

About a thousand delegates from minority groups meet to discuss what urgent priorities to submit to candidates running for office in the upcoming presidential election. Resettling tens of thousands of war refugees and tsunami survivors still homeless and jobless after so many years is one of the most urgent issues that need to be addressed.

Lasantha was assassinated in his car in broad daylight on 8 January 2009. A year later, hundreds of journalists gather to remember him and slam the government for its inaction in tracking down the culprits. In Sri Lanka, tens of journalists have been assaulted or forced to flee the country.

On January 26 Voting for the president. The campaign sees abuse and harassment, especially by the outgoing president. Three experts explain to AsiaNews about problems and prospects. And a conviction that these elections can be decisive for the future of the country.

Philip Alston, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has made a thorough survey to assess the tape aired in England, showing the Sri Lankan army killing the rebels. Colombo: "unfounded allegations, violated diplomacy."

Mgr Malcolm Ranjith mentions the values of "peace, equality and democracy" as the guidelines for choosing the right candidate. The prelate hopes that "free and fair" elections will lead the country to an era of peace and development. He says he does not back any one candidate but puts "trust in the good judgment of our people."

For Fr Rohan Silva, from the Centre for Society and Religion, Churches should do more. Human rights activists agree. The bishop of Jaffna talks about the Tamil situation.

Religious freedom, minority policies, economy and reforms are the top issues. However, fears that the election might be rigged are growing.

At least 100 thousand refugees remain in camps in Vavuniya even after January. Presentation of the report into alleged war crimes committed by the army during the final stages of the war also delayed for four months.