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…

Rajapaksa clan found guilty of bankrupting Sri Lanka

In a landmark judgment, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has found the Rajapaksa brothers, including two former presidents, guilty of mishandling Sri Lanka’s economy and driving it into its current economic crisis.

On 19 May 2022, Sri Lanka officially defaulted on its international debt. As a result of the current economic turmoil citizens have faced issues of food shortages, skyrocketing inflation and difficulty accessing essential goods.

Victims of St James' Church bombings remembered 30 years on

The victims of the St James' Church bombings who were killed by Sri Lankan government airstrikes were remembered on Monday.

A memorial service was held at the church in Gurunagar, Jaffna, to mark 30 years since the massacre. Candles were lit by relatives of the victims and church members. 

TNPF leader slams double standards of Sri Lankan police

Responding to the arrest of Tamil student demonstrators, who had protested in solidarity with cattle farmers in Batticaloa, Tamil National People Front leader (TNPF), Gajen Ponnambalam, slammed the double standards of the Sri Lankan Police.

Accused war criminal Mahinda Rajapaksa demands Israel to be held accountable for war crimes

Mahinda Rajapaksa with Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair M. H. Dar Zaid at a meeting last month

Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa and 158 other Sri Lankan parliamentarians signed a letter to the UN Secretary General calling for Israel to “be held accountable under international laws and the universal humanitarian regulations for the blatant war crime that they commit now and before alike.”

"You're the first Tamil Hamilton and the first Tamil Mr Burr" - An Interview with Diluckshan Jeyaratnam

Singer and songwriter Diluckshan Jeyaratnam has recently turned musical theatre actor. His onstage debut in acclaimed musical ‘Hamilton’ in Germany, playing both the titular role of Alexander Hamilton and Mr Burr, has led to a quick succession of announcements on his involvement in theatre productions ‘Avenue Q’ and ‘Wicked.’ Diluckshan will also be opening for singer Hariharan’s March 2024 concert in Germany. 

China follows India into Eelam – but with a Buddhist twist

China’s ambassador to Sri Lanka made his second visit to the North-East last week, just days after India’s finance minister completed her tour of the region – but also stopped off at several controversial Buddhist sites. 

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong travelled to Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi on a three-day tour of the region, where he handed out several boxes of donations. 

Cameron’s second shot

The former British prime minister has been given another chance to rectify his legacy - this time as foreign minister. Following through on his previous pledges on accountability and justice in Sri Lanka would be the best place to start.

An Open Letter to Ranil Wickremesinghe

My dear Ranil,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I was thrilled to watch your interview on DW News.

The return of David Cameron – the UK’s new foreign secretary

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed as the UK’s new foreign secretary, a move that will see a familiar face return to the frontline of British politics.

David Cameron has twice written in the Tamil Guardian.

We take a look back at his previous time in office, remarks on Sri Lanka and Tamils, as well as his involvement on the island after his previous departure.

Japan - another misfortune misstep for Murugan

‘Japan’ starring Karthi in the titular role, sees Murugan venturing into new territories, yet holding onto some of the same stylistic threads.