Melani Manel Perera

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.

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.