Melani Manel Perera

Ten days of bombardment kill more than 400, injure more than 1,400. Sri Lankan government minimises casualty figures. UN convoy successfully reaches Vavuniya Hospital, bringing hundreds of people to safety, including some 50 children.

Hundreds of civilians dead, killed even in the "safety zone." The army and the Tamil Tigers are trading accusations. Bishop of Jaffna: the buffer zone must be extended immediately and respected, to save many lives.

The head of the military in Vanni meets with the head of the Red Cross to plan access and protection of civilians in the area. Catholic and Anglican bishops express appreciation for the army's decision, and call upon the Tamil Tigers not to violate the area with attacks against soldiers and refugees.

Vincent Brossel, Asia-Pacific chief for Reporters without Borders, points finger. He slams political repression of the media, excluding any involvement by Tamil Tiger rebels. The Catholic editor of the Meepura newspaper receives death threats. Five journalists leave the country fearing for the lives.

More shelling and bombs have affected villages where displaced people had found refuge and which the government had declared “neutral” zones last month. Tens of people have died, including children and the elderly. Jaffna bishop appeals to President Rajapaksa for a lasting truce and an end to the hostilities.

Priests and religious leaders write to Ban Ki-Moon asking him to put pressure on Sri Lankan authorities and Tamil Tigers to re-start peace negotiations. The Mullaitivu area is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. Displaced people find refugee in churches and other places of worship.

Celebrations began with a solemn Mass in the village of Maha Galgamuwa. More than 1,500 people have come to the shrine dedicated to the Apostle of Sri Lanka, who was beatified by John Paul II. Across the country the Church is promoting initiatives in preparation for the 300th anniversary of his death, hoping for his canonisation.

More than 8000 people take part in the funeral of Lasantha Manilal Wickramatunga, editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper. “Waves of anger, fear and desperation” are sweeping “across the country,” says Colombo bishop. Everyone wants to know who is behind the murder. President Rajapaksa blames international elements for the assassination, claiming that it was carried out to eclipse the country’s military victories against Tamil Tigers.

The National Fisheries Solidarity Movement donates engines, nets and other gear. The distribution was carried out by Fr Seemanpillai Jayabalan, local co-ordinator for an IDP aid organisation in Nanattan, where 102 farming and fishing families of live.

The unanimous decision by cabinet brings the situation back to 2002, before peace talks began. Health minister says that ban does not preclude talks.

The government of Colombo has called for a day of celebration for the army's victory over the Tamil Tigers on January 2. In the refugee camps, the people accuse the government of Rajapaksa of failing to find a political solution to the conflict.

A traditional ceremony takes place at the start of the year at the Tewatta’s national shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka. People of all ages, Catholics and Buddhists alike, come to have their job and the tools they use to earn a living blessed.