Melani Manel Perera

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.

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.