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…

Chemmalai Manicka Pillaiyar temple festival draws hundreds

In a vibrant celebration of spirituality and devotion, the Sappara festival at Chemmalai Manicka Pillaiyar Temple in Mullaitivu District unfolded with grace and fervour on the 27th of September. The temple witnessed a spectacular gathering of devotees who came together to partake in the festivities.

The proceedings were led by Shivacharya Kalakaraguru, the venerable guide of the temple. The day commenced with special puja services and locals numbering in the hundreds eagerly participated in the rituals.

Empowering the Tamil Homeland: Aram Trip 2023

In the summer of 2023, a group of 20 British Tamil students and graduates embarked on a transformative journey to the rural heartlands of the Tamil homeland. The trip encompassed activities in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Killinochi and Mullaitivu. Their mission was to make a positive and lasting impact on communities through volunteering in schools, orphanages, hospitals, and care homes. This two-week endeavor, known as the 'Aram Trip,' was organized by a group of recent graduates and facilitated by Tamil Aid, a reputable UK-registered charity.

Tamil activist interrogated over landgrab protests

Tamil activist Balraj Rajkumar was subjected to prolonged questioning by the Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Department (CTID) in the Eastern Province. The activist was summoned to appear at the Trincomalee Regional Office on Thursday at 9 am, with no specific reason provided.

Sri Lanka's proposed truth and reconciliation commission a hollow gesture - TGTE

Sri Lanka's announcement of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has sparked skepticism and criticism from various quarters, with critics arguing that it is merely a ploy to deflect international pressure and delay justice for the Tamil people who suffered a genocide under successive Sinhala regimes.

Resignation of Mullaitivu judge sparks concerns says Mannar MP

Member of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan held a press conference today in Mannar, addressing the recent resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah. The judge's departure from his position and the country itself was prompted by death threats and mounting pressure from the Sri Lankan government, shedding light on the challenges faced by Tamil judges in the North-East region.

Mullaitivu District Judge flees country amidst death threats

Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah has resigned from his posts and fled the island due to death threats and mounting pressure from the Sri Lankan government.

Remembering Thileepan's sacrifice 36 years on

Today marks 36 years since the death of Lt Col Thileepan, a political wing leader of the LTTE who fasted to death, in a protest appealing to the Indian government to honour pledges made to the Tamil people.

Thileepan began his fast on the September 15, 1987, with 100,000 people gathered around the historic Nallur Kandwaswamy Temple in Jaffna.

Sri Lankan government continues to attempt to ban commemoration events of Thileepan

Multiple attempts have been made by the Sri Lankan state to suppress the commemoration of Lt. Col. Thileepan. While these ongoing efforts to suppress Tamil people’s right to remember our heroes has been an implicit state policy, it manifests itself overtly during such landmark commemorative events.

Lt Col Thileepan remembered in Theravil

On September 24, Thayaga Arasiyal Thurai conducted a commemoration in Theravil, Mullaitivu, to honour Thiyagi Thileepan as this year marks the 36th anniversary of his death. 

Santhosh Narayanan pays tribute to Lt Col Thileepan in Jaffna

Tamil music composer Santhosh Narayanan paid tribue to Lt Col Thileepan at a memorial in Nallur, Jaffna today as the Tamil nation marks 36 years since his fast unto death.