Sri Lanka

Father Aloysius Pieris died in Sri Lanka at the age of 92. He was the first non-Buddhist to earn a doctorate from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. A scholar of Eastern religions, he founded the Tulana Research Centre in 1974, also very active in social work. He was the first Asian member of the editorial board of the magazine Concilium.

A long-awaited solution to avert the long-standing human-elephant conflict (HEC). In the area, over 300 people have died and dozens have been left disabled in incidents involving the elephants. For local residents, it is a ‘key project’ that should have been completed ‘decades ago’. Experts say at least a year of monitoring is needed to assess its effectiveness.

More than 100 days after the environmental disaster, over 60,000 people in Sri Lanka are living in makeshift accommodation. ‘The relief centres don't even have drinking water,’ they complain. The effects of the disaster compound the historical discrimination suffered by the tea plantation workers’ community. A petition with 15 demands have been submitted to the president and the government.

According to investigators' statements in court, there is evidence to support the charges against Suresh Salley in the documentary broadcast by Channel 4. Links have been identified with Islamist circles that could have been part of a plan to destabilise the country with the aim of influencing the political balance. The defence rejects the charges, pointing out that when the bombs exploded, the former general was in Malaysia.

Regulations dating back to the 1950s in Sri Lanka prevent the importation of high-quality seeds and more resistant and productive varieties available in Southeast Asia. The restrictions were introduced to prevent plant diseases from Latin America. Now they force farmers to use low-yield seeds, with more fertilisers and pesticides.

Following the sinking of an Iranian frigate off Galle, Sri Lankan authorities are closely monitoring the presence of a second Iranian ship in the country’s exclusive economic zone. The vessel, which some sources believe to be a logistics vessel, has reportedly requested assistance due to technical problems amid rising tensions in the Indian Ocean.

Imports from South Africa are under scrutiny because of poor quality coal, resulting in substandard performance by the Lak Vijaya Power (LVP) plant. Experts say the role of an accredited independent laboratory is crucial. For the opposition, the “entire coal procurement process was rigged.”

Mandatory background checks will be introduced for employees working with girls and boys in government institutions. Criminal background records and periodic checks, including for existing staff, will be used. The goal is to boost prevention and institutional accountability.

Hundreds of religious leaders gathered by the Sangha have issued a ten-point statement and launched a petition on which they are collecting signatures from the faithful. They claim that the current government is pursuing a de facto separation between state and religion despite the role reserved for it by the Constitution. They have called for protection for temples, statues and religious teaching, but also for action against those who denigrate the Buddhist faith on social networks.

A journey marked by spiritual and social activities to deepen understanding and unity between spouses and their relationship with their children. The example of a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu experienced by the families of Marriage Encounter in the parish of Puttalam.

Less restrictive land use is threatening the 72-year-old structure located in southeast Sri Lanka. Two pillars have been destroyed with five more at risk. Farmers allege favouritism towards a government-affiliated cooperative. For decades, illegal sand mining has generated huge profits.

The emergency has been caused by a lack of adequate facilities and the extensive use of preventive detention pending trial. There are at least 40,000 prisoners on the island in facilities with a total capacity of only 10,500 places. In some prisons, the actual capacity is exceeded by 400%.