Melani Manel Perera

The army of Colombo says there have been "serious disturbances . . . with loud explosions and machine gun fire" in the area of Ampalawanpokkanai.The population is believed to have risen up against the rebels after the latest appeal from the army, which asked the LTTE to allow the civilians to leave the no-fire zone. According to the Defense Ministry, the leaders of the Tigers have also taken shelter in the area.

Since 1849, Sri Lankan religious and devotees have relived the Passion of Christ by walking the stations of Kapaala Kanda, which in Sinhalese means Mount Calvary. For the celebrations of Good Friday, thousands of people are expected from all over the southern part of the island.

Catholic bank employees turn to the archbishop of Colombo asking him to get the authorities to intervene. Several banks respect the statutory holiday, but some say they will not close even for Sinhalese and Tamil New Year.

Lasantha Wickrematunge was killed in January, and those responsible for his death remain unidentified. The UN body is honoring his memory as a "journalist who opposed war." The presentation of the prize will take place on May 3, in Doha.

For generations, they have earned their living by casting their nets along the coast; now only large ships and tourist boats will be allowed. The government had promised compensation, but only a small part of this has been paid.

Hardest hit are young worker and women, who represent 90 per cent of the workforce. The government has no plan to rescue factories or help laid off workers. More closures and layoffs are expected in the so-called Free Trade Zone after 14 April, New Year in the Sinhalese and Tamil calendar.

Santha Fernando is the secretary of the Commission for Justice and Peace. He was arrested at the international airport of Colombo by the anti-terrorism investigative division. He was supposed to participate in a seminar on the situation in the north, ripped apart by the war between the army and the Tamil Tigers.

Statement comes after an informal meeting by the UN Security Council where US accuses Sri Lanka government of bombing no-fire-zone and Tamil Tigers of using civilians as human shields.

LTTE rebels are holding the population hostage, using people as a buffer against army push. The government is making matters worse for refugees by preventing international humanitarian relief from getting in.

The bishops are asking the government and Tamil rebels to "take immediate steps to alleviate the suffering" of the civilians, and not to hide behind the "endless debates" over the real number of refugees. The requests include that of permitting religious representatives to enter Vanni with the UN and the Red Cross.

A meeting with Tamil National Alliance lawmakers is scheduled for tomorrow. President is “interested in knowing the views of all political parties”. National Integration minister says Tamil Tigers lost more than 90 per cent of their forces.

200 fishermen have obtained recognition of their right to remain in the area, where fishing has been practiced for more than 200 years. For the World Forum of Fisher People, it is an historic victory "against the displacement of coastal communities in the name of tourism development and foreign income earnings."