The funeral of a Sri Lankan Roman Catholic priest tragically killed by a mine blast as he was on his way to distribute supplies to displaced people, has attracted more than 5,000 mourners including Hindus and Muslims.
Civilians are bearing the brunt of violence as fighting rages in Sri Lanka between the military and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), church and civilian humanitarian agencies report. Long-term solutions are vitally needed.
The church-backed National Anti-War Front (NAWF) in Sri Lanka has appealed to the government and Tamil rebels to observe an immediate cease-fire during the Christmas season - writes Anto Akkara for Ecumenical News International.