Melani Manel Perera

The charitable organization of the Catholic Church has assisted almost 60,000 people struck by the tsunami. An example of the efforts of Caritas, which for 40 years has been working in favor of the population of the island, without distinction of caste or religion.

The minister for traditional medicine illustrates for parliament the results of Ayurvedic cures. In addition to people infected with HIV, those sick with cancer, asthma, and kidney problems also see benefits from treatments applied according to a millennia-old tradition that is very widespread in the country.

The Nisansala Centre is home to about 150 kids and young adults living with mental and physical disabilities. It provides an answer to a problem that is widespread across the country, where most of the 87,000 young disabled people are cared for by their families alone and unable to attend regular schools.

The charitable organization is celebrating its anniversary with two days dedicated to trade fairs. From the initial intuition of Fr. Joseph Fernando, who conceived the first center in Colombo, to its current presence all over the country with 11 operating facilities and more than 300 other locations involved.

The project, designed to meet energy needs, is bringing hardship and problems for the inhabitants of the villages in the region. From civil society, protests against the government, which has not maintained its promises. Tourism and the job market also being harmed.

In a war zone, people are living in temporary shelters with little food and little health care. There is even a lack of drinking water, and the risk of disease is growing. Humanitarian organizations criticize the government, and call for the sending of international observers.

The Government of Sri Lanka will guarantee access to the shrine. The church is in a region where the army and Tamil Tigers are still fighting one another. On 8 December, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception, Catholics will be able to carry out their 400-years-old pilgrimage. Hindus and Buddhists are expected to take part in the event as well.

Released in 15 countries, the report analyses what it considers the true causes for health care shortfalls in many countries, indicating possible action strategies as solutions. In Sri Lanka the delivery of health care faces many hurdles, including limited resources.

The army has regained a strategic position held for 15 years by Tamil rebels, and is continuing its advance in the north of Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa thanks the "heroic soldiers," and calls upon the LTTE to lay down their weapons. No reference to the thousands of dead caused by the war, or to the situation of the population. Catholics affirm: "it is a true victory when there is permanent peace in the country, not simply when territory is conquered."

Industrialization, uncontrolled development along the coastline, and ocean pollution threaten to swamp the resources of small-scale fishermen. Activists promote a common cause among the various groups, to confront the crisis. The "land sharks" are stealing coastal property from survivors of the tsunami.

The country celebrates the 20th anniversary of his death. A spiritual guide and inspiration for many, now a committee is gathering many testimonies of miracles. But popular devotion already considers him the country's first saint.

President Rajapaska proposes to parliament the new economic plan for 2009. In opposition to "the process of neoliberal globalization," it increases import tariffs and reduces those on local products. The drop in the cost of gasoline and some investment in public spending find support among the poorest people.