Sri Lanka

Thousands of children, wives and parents have been waiting for years for news about the fate of their family members who disappeared in mysterious circumstances. War, political motives and terrorism are among the reasons behind the kidnappings, from the north to the south of the island. The story of the family of Madushka Haris de Silva, originally from Anuradhapura, who disappeared on 2 September 12 years ago.

A new environmental emergency has hit the strait separating the Indian coast from Sri Lanka, threatening to cripple local tourism and fishing. Carried by currents from India, mounds of plastic reach the Mannar region. Monsoon currents, which carry dust, are more difficult to collect, compounding the problem. Globally, the failure to ratify or implement agreements and treaties weighs heavily on the country.

Released on health grounds, the former Sri Lankan president is accused of using state funds for a private trip to the United Kingdom in 2023 to celebrate his wife's honorary award. His supporters say his arrest is a threat to democracy, and some in the international community are concerned over the treatment of the man who was called to save the country from financial default. But those who opposed him say that the law must be equal for everyone.

Sponsored by St. Nicholas Sunday School in Munnakkara, the event saw a simple object, adorned with images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, become an opportunity to rediscover the joy of Christian life. For Father Nishan, it provided an opportunity to experience “the spiritual and relaxing atmosphere of a family united in God.”

The government has introduced a measure to facilitate the issuing of temporary driver's licences upon arrival at Katunayake International Airport. Following the 2019 church attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is experiencing a fragile recovery. The new provision risks undermining self-employed workers.

Villages in northern Sri Lanka have been protesting for weeks against the second phase of a 50 MW wind power project. The latter has “serious environmental consequences”, Fr Marcus Adigalar, parish priest of Thalaimannar, told AsiaNews. The project impacts marine and coastal ecosystems. Dissanayake is open to dialogue. Young people are calling for permits to be cancelled and a protected area to be created.

Tomorrow, 15 August, is the deadline set by the Mahaweli Authority for “unauthorised possession of government land”. Over 500 families have already left out of fear. Farmers tell AsiaNews: ‘The army supported us, we survived the war.’ The crops have been there since 1955, then resumed in 2010 due to an attack by the Tamil Tigers.

90 boys and girls walked 27 km from Balangoda to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, Thanjanthenna. Fr Hariharan Rajappriya: ‘Pilgrimage to understand life’. Accompanied by concern for the environment with the participation of Buddhist monk Wekandawala Rahula Thero. Bishop Croos: ‘Young people united thanks to new and diverse work’.

In 2024, a record number of Indian fishermen were arrested, over 500 in one year. The problem has grown since the end of the internal conflict in 2009. The people of the north, already scarred by war, are paying the price. Calls for the application of international standards in the sector.

The government admits that 20,000 students have dropped out of school, while another 80,000 do not attend classes regularly. Inequality is increasing in a system marked by economic crisis and a lack of subsidies. Teachers and unions complain: “No one is trying to get these kids back to school.”

Galamuduna Kanishta School, a rural establishment with just 21 students and a one teacher, has achieved extraordinary results in the latest national exam. Janaka Dhanuddhara, who is both principal and teacher, walks several kilometres to reach the school, which has no Internet and few transportation options. A wave of solidarity has brought help, while parents are calling for more support to ensure a future for their children.

Nadeesha Chandrasena has received the Global Award for Intellectual Property (WIPO) for her ‘Smart Drain’, an anti-clogging drainage system that prevents urban flooding. The device is patented and can be monitored in real time, overcoming the problem of drainage channels clogged with waste in large cities. The award is a source of pride for the country and its women's movements.