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EDITORIAL - There can be no more denial

As commemorations of the 2009 genocide continue to grow, Colombo’s denialism remains firmly intact. The NPP’s actions, mirroring those of its predecessors, reveal a political establishment still unwilling to confront the truth.
Sri Lankan army tries to recruit in Mullaitivu, as Tamils commemorate genocide
The Sri Lankan army and air force have launched a new recruitment drive in Mullaitivu, targeting Tamil youth this week.
Flowers scattered at Nandikadal lagoon to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day

 

Vanni District Member of Parliament Thurairasa Ravikaran scattered flowers at Nandikadal lagoon this morning to mark the 16th anniversary of the Tamil genocide. 

Tamils of Southend commemorate Mullivaikkal Genocide

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Hundreds of Tamils living around the coastal town of Southend-on-Sea in England gathered on a beach at dusk on 17 May to remember their loved ones who perished in the Mullivaikkal genocide 16 years ago.

Kanji distributed across the East to remember victims of Tamil genocide

Mullivaikal commemoration preparation

Tamils across the Eastern province served kanji in memory of the Tamils that perished at Mullivaikkal in 2009. 

Kanji distributed outside Theravil Thuyilum Illam to commemorate Tamil genocide

Mullivaikkal kanji was distributed outside Theravil Thuyilum Illam today to remember the victims of the Tamil genocide. 

16 years today - 3,000 dead and 25,000 critically injured

 

To mark 16 years since the Sri Lankan military onslaught that massacred tens of thousands of Tamils, we revisit the final days leading up to the 18th of May 2009 – a date remembered around the world as ‘Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day’. 

US Congressman backs Tamil self-determination in genocide remembrance message
US Congressman Herb Conaway has expressed his support for Tamil self-determination, as Tamils across the world commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide.
UK Prime Minister 'pleased' that sanctions are placed on Sri Lankan war criminals

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "pleased" his government had placed sanctions on Sri Lankan war criminals, as he released a message ahead of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day on Sunday.

Occupation Watch - 16 May, 2025

Sri Lankan military involvement in civilian life across the Tamil homeland has continued this week, with the armed forces continuing to entrench themselves in events across the North-East.

Pottuvil, Amparai: Military embedded in civilian and ecological spaces

'We stand with Eelam Tamils' - Congressman Don Davis
In an address before Congress on 16th May 2025, US House Congressman Don Davis commemorated the 16th anniversary of the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.
UK urged to sanction Kamal Gunaratne for war crimes and torture

File photograph: Gunaratne on the far fight, at the war front in 2009.

'Ninaivayutham' exhibition at Jaffna University commemorates Tamil genocide
An exhibition titled “Ninaivayutham” is being held at the University of Jaffna to commemorate the Tamil genocide and pass its memory to future generations
'I am absolutely certain that Pillayan was involved in my brother's disappearance'
In December 2006, Professor S. Raveendranath, the Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University in Sri Lanka, disappeared after attending an official meeting in a high-security zone in Colombo. Despite repeated requests for state protection and the deepening threats he faced, no meaningful investigation has brought answers. Nearly two decades on, his family continues to demand truth and justice.
Arrest of Tamil farmers risks fuelling ethnic unrest warns Tamil MP
Vanni District Member of Parliament T. Ravikaran has condemned the arrest of three Tamil farmers in Kurunthurmalai, following allegations made by Sinhala Buddhist monks that they had cultivated land within a so-called archaeological reserve. 
40 years since Kumuthini boat massacre by Sri Lankan Navy

 

 

 

 

File photograph

Today marks 40 years since 36 Tamils were massacred by Sri Lankan Navy officers on board the Kumuthini boat on May 15, 1985. 

Ponnambalam slams Sri Lanka’s denial of genocide and praises Tamil Canadians
Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Member of Parliament Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has sharply criticised the Sri Lankan government's continued denial of the Tamil genocide, stating that its refusal to investigate such atrocities undermines its own claims of innocence.
Namal Rajapaksa demands summoning of Canadian High Commissioner over Tamil Genocide Monument

Namal Rajapaksa, parliamentarian and son of accused war criminal Mahinda Rajapaksa, has called on the Sri Lankan government to summon the Canadian High Commissioner to formally protest the unveiling of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Canada, claiming it promotes a “false genocide narrative” and “distorts history.”

University of Jaffna students mark Mullivaikkal Remembrance Week on campus
University of Jaffna students marked Mullivaikkal Remembrance Week with solemn tributes and the distribution of kanji in honour of the genocide victims.

World News

Libya fighting eases after truce announced

abdulhamid dbeibah sitting


The worst fighting in Tripoli for years calmed down today after the government announced a ceasefire. 

Clashes broke out on Monday night after reports that the leader of the Support and Stability Apparatus (SSA), Abdelghani al-Kikli, was killed. After calming Tuesday morning, the fighting reignited overnight. 

PKK to disband, potentially bringing an end to decades of conflict in Turkiye

Kurdistan Workers Party fighters standing beside each other

PKK, also known as the Kurdistan Workers Party announced plans to disband and disarm, potentially bringing 40 years of conflict with Turkiye to an end. 

UN experts call for international intervention to end genocide in Gaza

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Escalating atrocities in Gaza present an urgent moral crossroads and States must act now to end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza – an outcome with irreversible consequences for our shared humanity and multilateral order, UN experts warned, demanding immediate international intervention.

Israel to ‘occupy Gaza’ as cabinet approves new intensive Israeli operation

Netanyahu with hand up

The Israeli cabinet has approved plans to expand the war on Gaza and remain in the enclave for an unspecified amount of time. Benjamin Netanyahu said the new offensive will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas. 

Netanyahu stated in a video message on X that Gaza’s Palestinian population “will be moved, for its own protection”.

UK in talks with France and Saudi Arabia on recognition of Palestine
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed on Wednesday that the UK is in discussions with France and Saudi Arabia over the recognition of a Palestinian state, ahead of a UN conference in June.
Rwandan arrested in US over genocide charges

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Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, was charged with covering up from US authorities his role as a local leader in Rwanda when the genocide began in 1994. An estimated 800,000 Tutsis were killed during the three-month-long genocide.

DRC seeks to remove former president's immunity over alleged war crimes

Kabila standing at podium in front of flags

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are seeking to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila so that he can face trial on charges of supporting a rebel uprising in eastern DRC. 

Houthi fighters down $200m worth of US drones

parked reaper drone

In recent weeks Yemen’s Houthi armed group has shot down seven US Reaper drones worth over $200m.

The drones destroyed between 31 March and 22 April mark Washington's most significant material loss. 

Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Pahalgam attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, which left at least 26 people dead.
Ex-South African Foreign minister urges global reform to enforce ICJ Gaza ruling

Naledi Pandor smiling

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency on Monday, Former South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor renewed urgent calls to reform the United Nations. 

Pandor was the foreign minister when South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023.

'Together, we must uphold multilateralism,' says China's Ambassador to India

China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, signalled a renewal of China-India ties, in the aftermath of US-imposed tariffs on countries around the world.

Tunisian court hands prison sentences to opposition figures

President Kaid Saeid in front of books

On Saturday, a Tunisian court sentenced dozens of opposition figures on national security charges. 

Forty people were being prosecuted in the trial, which started in March. Over 20 have fled abroad since being charged and have been sentenced in absentia. 

Israel sacks deputy commander over killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza, denies cover-up

The Israeli military on Sunday announced the dismissal of a deputy commander following an internal investigation into the killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza on March 23 2025. The investigation found “several professional failures” but denied any attempt to conceal the incident.

Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic Somalia town

Somali Armed Forces standing

Al-Shabab fighters are claiming to have seized control of Adan Yabaal, a town in central Somalia, on Wednesday. 

Adan Yabaal is situated about 220 kilometres north of Mogadishu and serves as the logistical hub for government forces.

President of Kurdistan autonomous region to meet Macron

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Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday marking his fifth official visit to France.

Red Cross chief says humanitarian situation in Gaza is 'hell on earth'

Gaza

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has told the BBC that Gaza has become "hell on earth", as Israel's military assault and blockade of aid continues.

France could recognise Palestinian state in June

Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday France could recognise a Palestinian state in June.

Hamas launches legal challenge against UK terror designation
The Palestinian group Hamas has launched a legal challenge against the United Kingdom’s 2021 decision to designate it as a terrorist organisation, submitting a detailed 106-page application to the Home Secretary calling for the proscription to be overturned.
Ten British nationals accused of committing war crimes in Gaza

Israeli forces tank with israeli flag

A complaint against 10 British nationals accusing them of committing war crimes while serving with the Israeli military in Gaza will be submitted to the Metropolitan Police on Monday. 

Myanmar junta declares temporary ceasefire following earthquake, days after armed groups halt hostilities
The junta’s ceasefire declaration came several days after armed resistance groups across the country had already unilaterally paused hostilities to allow for humanitarian operations. The military had initially refused to reciprocate.