Sunil De Silva

The project of the archdiocese of Colombo focused on the parish of Wadduwa in the south. 520 homes were rebuilt thanks to funds collected by Msgr Gomis in less than a year.

Peace with the Tamil Tigers was at the forefront of the meeting. Rajapakse gave assurance of his commitment to resume negotiations, but he has refused a European base for talks, which is what the rebels want.

The cardinal's trip marks the anniversary of the seaquake. He is meeting victims and leaders of other religions and is praying for the tough peace process.