Melani Manel Perera

The civil war that pits government forces against Tamil Tigers has killed 70,000 people in 25 years. The country’s Christians organise a prayer vigil to honour the memory of those who died and to call for peace and prosperity for Sri Lanka as a whole.

Fighting and bombings in the area have required the statue of the Virgin Mary to be moved to the bishop's residence. The intensification of the conflict is forcing tens of thousands of refugees to live under the trees and in the jungle.

Tamil Tigers says they are willing to avoid violent incidents during South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation summit. The event is a great opportunity to re-start Sri Lanka’s economy, but many slam the authorities for forced evictions and shutting down businesses on “security” grounds.

For the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit Colombo takes stringent security measures to prevent violence. City and airport are under tight controls; railways stations are closed; and shanty towns near the city centre are evacuated.

Celebrations for the Pauline Year in the country coincide with the beginning of the preparatory period for the third centenary of the death of the missionary beatified by John Paul II. The bishops call the faithful to follow these two "proclaimers of the word of God", and to imitate their "missionary spirit".

A note from the diocesan commission for justice and peace lists the area's most urgent problems. For almost 25 years, the northern peninsula has been the theatre of a bloody war between the army and the Tamil Tigers, claiming victims above all from the civilian population.

The project is part of a wider plan undertaken by the government to jumpstart the country’s economy. It risks driving small operators out of business in favour of large-scale commercial enterprises.

During inaugural ceremony for the bridge in Arugam Bay, President Rajapaksa stresses the importance of security for development. Population backs plan for economic growth.

Last month showed a 21% increase compared to 2007, with the preponderance of visitors coming from southern Asia and the Middle East. A partial improvement in "general conditions" is stimulating growth, but fears remain over attacks by Tamil Tigers.

In Middeniya, a campaign has been underway for days against the presence of a new Protestant church. Aggression and threats culminate in a demonstration with 7,000 people, headed by radical Buddhist groups and parties.

Government is willing to sit down to a new round of talks but only if Tamil rebels lay down their weapons, but Tigers believe they can still win the war.

The country’s religious minorities hope that as an invitation to national harmony the Buddhist feast day can be an occasion for dialogue and mutual understanding among different ethnic groups and religions. A Catholic priest reiterates the desire “to live like a big family.”