Melani Manel Perera

Rebels of the LTTE struck overnight with air attacks. The two targets: in the north, the military camp of Thallady, near Mannar; and in the south, at the Kelani-Tissa plant in the suburbs of Colombo.

Much of the country does not know the real conditions in which northerners live. The Christian Solidarity Movement is trying to raise funds and awareness despite politicians’ intimidation. Ordinary people pay closer attention to the movement’s campaigns. Its coordinator, Father Iddamalgoda, complains about the “lack of democracy”.

The Sethsaviya center, founded by the Oblates in Anuradhapura, is celebrating its ten-year anniversary. A presence among the population, in the grip of poverty and the Tamil guerrillas. The Caritas center especially helps Buddhist families, and provides opportunities for encounter between different ethnicities and religions.

The pressure from Indian prime minister Singh for a peaceful solution between the government and the Tamil Tigers is prompting protests by politicians and from public opinion, in opposition to outside interference. Meanwhile, the fighting is becoming more violent, as the army advances into rebel territory.

The initiative comes on the occasion of World Food Day, to make food production more efficient and healthy by involving the population.

The National Blood Transfusion Service is believed to have used equipment that did not guarantee perfect sterilization, putting the health of patients and donors at risk. Patients' rights activists call for "thorough investigations," and the "denunciation" of any irregularities.

According to a scientist, some species have abandoned the Sumatra seabed, moving toward the coast of Sri Lanka, which could indicate a submarine earthquake. A similar migration was seen in 2004, in the days before the earthquake that caused the rogue wave.

A bomb kills 26 people, including an important opposition leader. UN resumes aid shipment for 1.1 million displaced people, but is concerned about humanitarian workers’ safety.

The island nation today celebrates International Children's Day. A series of concerts by an international award-winning Thai band is scheduled. The Salesian Fathers’ Eththukala Don Bosco Institute is sponsoring the performances.

The commission charges that the refugees of Wanni have been left to themselves, without shelter and with little food. They cannot ask for protection from the rebels, nor from the army. A prayer vigil of solidarity, and the request for immediate intervention, before it is too late.

The episcopal conference decries the sufferings of the displaced, without shelter or food. And it calls upon the army and the Tamil Tigers to "respect the lives of civilians" and guarantee "humanitarian corridors" in order to move them into more secure areas.

Hundreds march and pray for an end to the violence. Bishop of Mannar: the situation is increasingly difficult for 150,000 refugees, without shelter, food, medicine. Children are without milk and in danger of serious illness. "The very survival" of the refugees is in danger.