Melani Manel Perera

Two days of national holidays under the high patronage of the state. For President Rajapaksa Buddhism “prepares the path for a new Sri Lanka”. Buddhist faithful and Christian leaders criticise the celebrations: “they forget the victims and refugees of this war”. UN confirms that confirms that over the weekend 100 children were killed in the no fire zone.

Rev Duleep de Chickera writes to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, demanding “a just and speedy political response to the grievances of Tamils”. He warns of the danger of placing “an entire community” forever “under surveillance.”

Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa summons Tamil leaders to discuss minority issues. Opposition Nava Sama Samaja Party leader Karunaratne says committee is “a ridiculous step.” If the government is serious it must open talks Tamil Tigers and the Tamil National Alliance.

The Sri Lankan government is waiting for assistance from the international community. About 200,000 refugees are sheltering in camps run by the military in Vavuniya, Mannar and Jaffna. The authorities plan to provide hot meals and other help to the Internally Displaced People.

The minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights says possible amnesty is under consideration to rehabilitate LTTE members who surrender to the military. Most people in the south are in favour of the proposal. President Rajapksa’s approval ratings are up.

In 2007 the International Labour Organisation set out a convention to safeguard the work of fishermen, but the Colombo government refuses to ratify it.

For Mgr Oswald Gomis the fighting between the army and Tamil Tigers is reducing the country as it was at the “end of World War Two.” The Church is committed to helping refugees and reconciliation.

The victory of the United People's Freedom Alliance seems like indirect approval of the war against the Tigers. But the country is witnessing a competition of solidarity to assist the refugees. The Christian Churches are the most active. Muslims send five cooks to refugee centers in Vanni.

Government orders military to stop using heavy weapons and airstrikes, but army spokesman says halt does not mean ceasefire. United Nations welcomes the government’s decision, but demands a humanitarian truce. India claims it played key role in Sri Lanka’s decision, but many in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu accuse the central and local leaders of using the war for electoral purposes.

The humanitarian crisis in the war zones is becoming increasingly serious. The Tamil Tigers say about 165,000 civilians risk dying of hunger; accusations against the government, which is "deliberately" blocking aid. Colombo clarifies that care for refugees is a "priority," and it is preparing a postwar plan.

Fr. Vasanthaseelan was hit by a shell in the church of Valaignarmadam. His leg has been amputated. Fr. Pathinathan is now at Mulli-vaaykkaal Hospital. The government is appealing to the international community for aid for the refugees. The foreign minister of Colombo: "We are about to confront an emergency humanitarian situation."

Sri Lanka’s army says it knows where LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, is in hiding. Sri Lankans wonder about Tiger leader’s future with most hoping he gets killed. Political analyst Sarath Fernando says rebels must surrender but Tamil must continue the struggle for their rights.