Melani Manel Perera

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association leads march against the prevailing climate of intimidation; it accuses paramilitary groups of being responsible for violence against journalists. On 1 June journalist Poddala Jayantha, who works for Sinhalese-language news paper ‘Silumina’, was briefly seized and beaten.

Christian priests and religious promote activities to rediscover the importance of religion and the Buddhist doctrine of non-violence on the occasion of Poson, a festivity that celebrates the spread of Buddhism on the island. Christians and Buddhists have share “responsibility towards life in Sri Lanka’s society,” says Fr Sarath Iddamalgoda.

The population reflects on the destiny of the nation after 30 years of civil war. Sarath Nanda Silva, president of the Supreme Court: “the refugees cannot wait the normal course of justice”. Sarath Fernando, human rights activist:” Are we celebrating the victory of peace or the victory of one people over another?”.

Sri Lanka celebrates victory over Tamil Tigers in a military parade in Colombo. The president announces a great and bright future for the country. Speaking to Tamils in their language, he guarantees protection and a life “without fear and mistrust”.

Army, navy and air force units will move down the capital’s seaside road tomorrow. Captured Tamil Tiger military equipment will be paraded. Ordinary people both approve and criticise the National Victory Parade. For some it is correct to celebrate the victory; for others it is an insult to the Tamil minority and a waste of money at a time when thousands of refugees are still languishing in camps.

Sri Lankan foreign minister calls on Asian countries to help Sri Lanka prevent the reorganisation of the LTTE, dismisses accusations of genocide against Tamils as “propaganda”. The plight of refugee remains a sore point with overcrowded camps and sanitary facilities at a breaking point.

In cooperation with UNICEF four centres are set up to psychologically rehabilitate boys and girls forced to fight for the Tamil Tigers. Sri Lanka’s military identifies some 200 children and teenagers among the refugees who fled the war zone in the last few weeks of the war.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has approved a resolution in favour of the government of Sri Lanka: army is no longer accused of war crimes; the conflict was an “internal question that did not justify external interference”. Access to refugee camps for Humanitarian Organisations will take place as Colombo government “sees fit”.

The 41-year-old Tamil priest was one of seven clergymen who stayed till the end with refugees trapped in the war zone. His friend and educator Father Manuelpillai remembers him. He spent his last days in a bunker, concerned that he could say Mass.

Gen. Fonseka announces recruitment drive to increase army from 200 thousand to 300 thousand. Army remains on alert for suicide attacks by Tamil Tigers still at large.

The number of refugees hits 280,000. Military says 9,100 of them are connected to the Tamil Tigers and moves them to rehabilitation centres. Government announces plans to hold local elections in the districts of the Northern province.

UN secretary general is expected tonight in the island nation. President Rajapaksa suggests a 180-day period to resettle refugees and close camps. Defence Ministry spokesperson says two years might be needed. Red Cross complains that Sri Lankan authorities are not letting them into former combat zone.