Presidential elections of will be held on 26 January 2010. Corruption and election fraud threaten the fairness of the process. Catholic priest hopes that everyone will have access to the media and “lasting” solutions will be found for war victims. The Church defends the values of truth, liberty, justice and human dignity.
Humanitarian organisations have doubts over the government’s decision to let out 130,000 refugees still in camps. According to Oxfam, their release will be conditional and limited in time. For Anglican clergyman, Rev M Sathivel, it is all part of a political game. Meanwhile, the presidential campaign scheduled for January heats as opposition runs ex General Fonseka against Rajapaksa.
On World Fisheries Day, the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement accuses the government of protecting big fishing companies at the expense of small-scale fishermen and fish stock. The group appeals to President Rajapaksa.
UN Undersecretary John Holmes visited Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya. Reintegration of refugees continues to be slow and even those who have returned home are living without basic services and assistance necessary to resume a normal life. Tomorrow's meeting with President Rajapaksa.
The Sri Lankan government is criticised for giving “a ruthless murder the red carpet treatment.” Buddhist monks are also slammed for giving their “blessing to the junta leader” even though he murder hundreds of monks in Myanmar.
Many have lost their husbands in war. Marginalized by society, they have no work and receive no government aid. The children can not go to school, girls have no dowry to be delivered to future husbands. In their heart but one wish: "to start living again."
With a five-page letter the architect of the military victory over Tamil rebels announced his retirement at odds with the government. The General accuses Rajapaksa of wanting to dismantle the army and being unable to secure the peace promised to the country and refugees.
The National Fisheries Solidarity Movement donates the bicycles to young people in Arripputhurai. Mr Fernando, school director in Mullikulam’s Catholic school, says young men and women would like to continue their studies but there are no local services or help to enable them to fulfil their wish.
On “Remembrance Sunday " the veterans of the World Wars along with veterans of the last war between the army and Tamil Tigers. Fr. Noel Dias: Let us pray that the refugees "return to live in their lands of origin soon and according to justice."
A demonstration is held in Colombo against the escalation of violence by security forces. In 2009 alone, 23 people died in police custody. For Fr Iddamalgoda, “anyone who does promptly obey police orders is looked upon with suspicion as a potential enemy.” The atmosphere of permanent war means that for police agents “killing such people has become a natural urge.”
Refugees living in Welighakandiya and Kudumbimalai go home, but now live without water, food, basic sanitation or the possibility to farm their land. For Raajan Francis, who coordinates the Praja Abhilasha programme, “they seem to have returned to a refugee camp or an open air prison.”
Law enforcement is doing nothing to stop illegal fishing methods and punish offenders. Earnings drop from 2,000 to 50 rupees a day.
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