Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

A newly published study has identified the earliest scientifically confirmed evidence of prehistoric human settlement on Velanai Island in the Jaffna Peninsula, dating back around 3,460 years and overturning an erroneous long-held Sri Lankan assumption that the region was largely uninhabited until much later. The study, published in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology and led by…

Anton Balasingham archive launched  

A newly launched archive that hosts the works of Anton Balasingham was launched this week, marking the 14th anniversary since the passing of the chief negotiator and political strategist of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). 

The website – www.antonbalasingham.com – hosts a collection of Balasingham’s interviews and writings in both Tamil and English. 

Anton Balasingham commemorated in France

A remembrance ceremony was held in Paris this week, as French Tamils gathered to mark 14 years since the passing of Anton Balasingham, the chief negotiator and political strategist of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The commemoration took place at the Tamil Coordinating Committee's office, where flowers were laid before a portrait of Balasingham.

See more photographs from the event below.

Tamil homeland protests against Sri Lanka’s forced cremation of Muslims

Protests have taken place across the North-East today, as Tamils and Muslims across the region demonstrated against the Sri Lankan government’s policy of forcibly cremating Muslims, who it states have contracted the coronavirus.

The cremations, which continue to take place, run directly contrary to World Health Organisation (WHO) advice and Islamic practice.

Just the tip of the iceberg' - ITJP and JDS call for Rajapaksa and Silva to explain disappearances in court

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) and Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) called on the Sri Lankan government yesterday to explain in court the fate of hundreds of Tamils and Sinhalese who are missing or forcibly disappeared, according to newly released government lists.

The released data covers a range of dates, showing that more than 330 Tamils are listed as ‘missing’ from the final days of the armed struggle in 2009 and the 154 Sinhalese more from the Matale district in 1989. The ITJP however estimates that the OMP’s statistics whilst large are grossly underestimated.

A Letter to my Eelam Tamils, or, Why you shouldn't watch Funny Boy

When you see me, what do you see first?

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ablaze

A fire has broken out at Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court complex in Colombo.

At least eight fire brigade units have been dispatched.

Sri Lankan authorities have not yet given any explanation as to how the fire started.

More to follow.

England confirms controversial cricket tour to Sri Lanka despite boycott calls

England’s cricket team confirmed it will be embarking on a tour to Sri Lanka next month, where members will be spending five days at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, amidst fears over deteriorating human rights on the island and growing calls from anti-racism campaigners for a sporting boycott. 

Amnesty demands investigation into prison overcrowding and Sri Lankan authorities' use of ‘lethal force’ against inmates

Amnesty International has called on the Sri Lankan government to “implement their commitments to release hundreds of detainees to ease overcrowding and improve prison conditions” amidst the growing threat of COVID-19 across prisons, and also called for an investigations into a prison fire started by Sri Lankan police officers opening fire, at the end of last month at Mahara Prison Complex.

In their statement, the human rights group stated:

“In the immediate term, there must be a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident and the use of lethal force – including firing live ammunition – by prison authorities.”

Sri Lankan police disrupt #StopForcedCremations solidarity by removing white cloths from crematorium

Sri Lankan police removed white cloths from the Borella Kanatte crematorium gate in Colombo last night, with the military, intelligence personnel and police also interrogating and taking photographs of those visiting the site.

The cloths were tied on Saturday, as an act of solidarity with the Muslim community.

Remembering Bala Anna

Today marks 14 years since the passing of the chief negotiator and political strategist of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Anton Balasingham. 

Balasingham, or as he was fondly known among Tamils - Bala Anna, was widely respected and adored by the nation. His charismatic addresses in venues around the world drew tens of thousands, as he provided political analysis with sharp wit. Leading LTTE delegations through numerous negotiations, Bala Anna eloquently and forcefully articulated the rights of the nation. His intellectual prowess and political acumen earned him respect from all sides of the negotiating table.