Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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A Guinness World Record set by nearly 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers at Galle Face in Colombo has sparked controversy, after activists questioned why the official recognition was awarded to organisers and an overseas instructor rather than the thousands of performers who paid to take part. The SANGAMAM-2026 event, held on 14 June, saw 4,988 dancers successfully set a new Guinness World Record for…

Navi Pillay’s report on Sri Lanka calls for international investigation

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has released her report on assistance for the Sri Lankan governemt on promoting reconciliation and accountability, as mandated by the resolution in Geneva last March.

The report details concern in several areas, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, militarisation and land grabs.

IMF hesitant to fund Sri Lanka state spending

Sri Lanka has dropped plans for another $1 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund following disagreements over how the money should be spent, AFP quoted the central bank as saying.

The IMF usually extends loans to cover countries’ difficulties in meeting foreign exchange obligations, but Sri Lanka wanted to spend the loan at home.

Engage constructively' says Gota to West

The Sri Lankan defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa told governments in the West to "engage constructively" with the Sri Lankan government.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studeies and the Pakistan High Commission, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said:

‘India will support resolution if SL does not implement’ says Minister

India’s Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V Narayanasamy has stated that India will support a resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council, if the country refuses to honour any recommendations put forward by the world body.

Speaking to reporters, Narayanasamy said,

Police arrest tourist for Buddha tattoo

Police in Sri Lanka have arrested a young female tourist from the Netherlands for having a tatto of the Buddha on her back, reported Ceylon Today.

TNA joins Sinhala alliance against Rajapakse

A new alliance against the ruling UPFA has been formed in Sri Lanka.

The opposition parties, led by the UNP, have signed an MOU to form a joint movement in Colombo.

The alliance, called “Vipakshaye Virodhaya” includes the UNP, TNA, Democratic People’s Front, Nawa Sama Samaja Party, Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, Ruhunu Janatha Party, Eksath Janatha Peramuna, Muslim Tamil National Alliance and Nidahase Wedikawa.

Jayalalitha calls for strong resolution at UNHRC

Tamil Nadu Chief minister Jayalalitha has called for a strong resolution against Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council, and laid the blame on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for a 'watered down' resolution last March.

Responding to a debate in the State Assembly, Jayalalitha called for India to adopt a resolution based on a similar motion passed in the Tamil Nadu State Assembly, which called for an economic embargo on Sri Lanka and for proclaiming those involved in the genocide of Tamils as war criminals.

Commonwealth Sec Gen Sharma visits Sri Lanka

The Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma held talks with the government on Sunday on the rule of law and the separation of powers.

In a statement the Commonwealth said:

"Sharma is expected to discuss, among other issues, options for advancing Commonwealth values and principles, including the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers,"

Indian official's house ransacked in Jaffna

The Jaffna home of an Indian consulate official was ransacked on Friday reports the Hindu.

It is reported that the Sri Lankan Army keeps close watch on the consulate officials and that issues of intimidation have arisen.

While a video player and some money were taken from the premises, the house was raided thoroughly seemingly with the intention of a specific search.

Geneva envoy’s plea to “Sri Lankans abroad”

Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has said that Sri Lankans living abroad should “contribute towards moderating the negative narratives propagated against Sri Lanka – by clarifying genuine concerns and debunking the falsehoods", reported the Daily Mirror.