Melani Manel Perera

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.

Some people wonder how celebrations can take place after so many civilian casualties. Others say that LTTE violence was caused by an oppressive system. Still more believe the country betrayed its Buddhist principles by opting for war.

For the Bishop of Jaffna Msgr. Savundaranayagam, celebrations must not overshadow the refugees who “have lost everything and are in need of everything”. Msgr Gomis Colombo, thanks the government for having put an end to the conflict. But he asks for “humility and wisdom to learn from past errors”. “We must recognise that we are a multi ethnic, multi-religious and multi cultural community”.

Fireworks and celebrations are held in the main towns and cities. The government urges the Sri Lankans to show the flag to mark the end of the 26-year-old war. President Rajapaksa announces an address to the nation for tomorrow.

According to the army the rebels have no more escape routes. The president had promised to end the 25 years of war by this evening. The Tigers and their families flee by mixing among refugees. Rumours of a possible “mass suicide”. The Humanitarian crisis persists.

Dengue cases rise almost three-fold over last year. Endemic, the disease affects mostly in marshland areas and slums. Almost all districts are affected.

A hospital in the no fire zone comes under rocket attacks: 50 dead. The United Nations Security Council meets for the first time over Sri Lanka: France and Great Britain want intervention, Russia and China hide behind the policy of non-interference. US president Obama raises his voice. Washington assures it is at work “in close contact with India”.

The nuns join the priests already operative in Vanni, in the north of the island. President Rajapaksa tank the Church for its commitment. A local Red Cross worker is killed. The UN says there are still 50 thousand civilians trapped in the war zone.