Marking Tamil New Year this April, the chief minister of the Northern Province, C V Wigneswaran highlighted that the passing of time had not resolved the problems facing the Tamil people.

"Years keep rolling on, but there delays continue in finding a solution to the problems of the Tamil people," he wrote in a statement.

See statement reproduced in full below:

"Bidding a farewell to the Manmatha Varudam, Durmuki Varudam begins this evening. Years keep rolling on, but there delays continue in finding a solution to the problems of the Tamil people."

"Many of the war-affected people are unable to return to their own houses and lands, and they are still displaced, living amid a lot of hardship."

"Barring a few of our youth, many are not released [from detention] yet.Our people are still suffering without knowledge of the whereabouts of their relatives who went missing during the war."

"The army continues to jeopardise the livelihood and resources of our people. There are many restrictions imposed on our fishermen preventing them from going to sea and carrying out their livelihoods. The army is assisting people from other districts to come and settle here."

"Central government has been ignoring the Provincial government and has been carrying out many projects at its own will."

"With the prevalence of all these problems, comes the new year. I pray for God's blessing that all our problems are solved in this new year and that our people live in peace. I wish all the best for a blessed life for the people of the Northern province. I extend my Tamil new year greetings to one and all!"

Related article: Another militarised Tamil New Year across the North-East (14 Apr 2016)