Melani Manel Perera

In an official ceremony 11 “good quality” homes are given to 11 families. The plan was made possible with funds from NAFSO and French NGO Pêche et Développement.

In a press release sent to government and Tamil Tigers, the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka calls for an end to military operations around the sacred site. It wants the Marian shrine, a pilgrimage destination for the entire population, to be protected. Bishops back the decision to move the statue of Our lady of Madhu, dismissing claims it was under duress by the rebels.

Dozens of families are "forgotten" by the government, which is holding in camps refugees with water and electricity problems - 5 toilets for 52 families. It is not giving them new homes, nor work or schooling. A gift package of a few euro will make the celebration of the new year more serene, on April 13.

The World Forum of Fisher People makes an appeal six months after the murder of Canisius Fernando, president of the United Fisher Association. In Sri Lanka his family is still waiting for the compensation the authorities had pledged. In the meantime they live in misery with no hope for the future.

The bishop of Mannar has had the venerated image moved because of the escalation of fighting between the army and Tigers in the area of the sanctuary. Catholics are asking why he chose an area under the complete control of the rebels, and hypothesise pressure.

Air force attacks Tamil rebel base. A bomb at the start of a marathon run near Colombo kills Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, a Catholic, and former Olympian Karunatane. Altogether 15 are dead.

The “Govijana Udanaya” underway in Baddegama offers farmers explanations about advantages the government and banks can provide them. The purpose is to encourage the nation’s agricultural production and reduce reliance on imports.

Today at the Cathedral of St Sebastian, thousands of faithful responded to the call from the bishop of Mannar for a day of prayer and peaceful protest against the escalation of violence around the shrine. A local mission house has also been struck in recent days.

Clashes between rebels and Sri Lanka’s armed forces have prevented many Tamil Catholics from celebrating Easter. The army suspects the Madhu Shrine might be a cache for weapons destined to the guerrillas.

The women and men employed on the tea plantations of Sri Lanka live in unsuitable conditions. Their existence depends on the plantation owners, who do not provide for their essential needs and do not guarantee their rights.

For the world day against tuberculosis, the health minister talks about the results obtained, and goals for the future. Fundamental for cutting the disease rate are the commitment and awareness of all.

For years, the dioceses of the country have been gathering funds during Lent for scholarships, aid for the poor, reconstruction of houses, and medical assistance. The directors recount the initiatives already in place, and the plans for 2008.