A student who took her own life at Wayamba National College of Education has sparked student protests and prompted the Ministry of Education to launch an investigation. For Father Gamunu Dias, National Director of Catholic Education, no one can be indifferent. This should never happen again while young people and future teachers must be protected.
Inaugurated in 2013, the port has long been out of use due to the build-up of sand dunes that block vessel access. The project was launched with a €46 million loan from Denmark, but it has caused severe environmental damage and the displacement of local residents.
On Tuesday the company informed its employees via WhatsApp, shocking workers and unions. A worker told AsiaNews that, “compensation will help us for a few days, but what about after that?” The Ministry of Labour was not informed until the last moment. The “Company has threatened workers against requesting an inquiry,” reports the Dabindu Collective.
The outcome of the recent round of elections for the renewal of several municipal councils remains uncertain in many cases. In over 150 municipalities, no party or alliance holds an outright majority. The first meeting is scheduled for 2nd June. The opposition parties are attempting a difficult path towards unity in an effort to wrest control of the administrations from the ruling majority.
For the first time, Sri Lankans were able to pay homage to the memory of the fallen and the missing in an atmosphere of relative peace and security. Rallies were held in the north and in the capital to remember the end of the war in May 2009 between the Tamil Tigers and the military. Tens of thousands of civilians paid the ultimate price. “Reconciliation without justice,” said Sister Deepa Fernando, “is an empty gesture.”
A day after Buddhists marked Vesak Poya, a fundraiser was held in Colombo, attended by 80 Myanmar monks . Muslims, Hindus, and Christians also joined the show of solidarity. After the earthquake in Myanmar, many Sri Lankans raised funds and collected aid for the more than 400 monks studying in the country after their families and donors could no longer support them. For Fr Rohan Silva, the student monks need a helping hand, like Sri Lankans did after the 2004 tsunami.
