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…

Uthayan marks 33 years since first Black Tiger assault

The Uthayan in Jaffna marked 33 years since the first ever assault by the LTTE’s elite Black Tiger unit, with a feature spread in the newspaper on Sunday.

Sri Lankan police arrest Tamil woman after explosion in Kilinochchi

Sri Lanka’s Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) arrested Tamil woman in Kilinochchi, accusing her of involvement with an explosion that occurred earlier in the week and of possessing an allegedly home-made banner to mark Black Tigers Day.

The arrest occurred after a reported explosion in the area which injured a family member who is a former LTTE cadre.

The arrested woman is reported to be a teacher in the local area.

UK have 'noted with concern' the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment in Sri Lanka says Minister

UK Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the UK have "noted with concern the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment in Sri Lanka" following the outbreak of COVID-19, in response to a question on Sri Lanka last week. 

Nigel Adams answered a written question posed by Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West, who asked "what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Sri Lanka," to which the minister responded: 

I Stand With Yasmin' - social justice organisations support ITJP director facing threats from Sri Lankan government

Over 60 human rights organisations and 180 individuals have signed a letter in support of International Truth and Justice Project's (ITJP) Executive Director, Yasmin Sooka, who is facing threats from the Sri Lankan government. 

Last month, Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Services (SIS) Major General Suresh Sallay, who stands accused of human rights abuses, filed a formal complaint with the United Nations and the European Union, claiming that Ms Sooka had made "defamatory remarks" in a press release outlining his role in detaining a Tamil doctor. 

Honouring the sacrifices of the Black Tigers

On July 5, Eelam Tamils across the world remember and mourn the sacrifices made by the LTTE's elite women and men, the Black Tigers. “Karumpuli Naal” marks the sacrifice made by the first Black Tiger, Captain Miller, or Vallipuram Vasanthan, 33 years ago.

Jaffna University students mark Black Tigers Day despite army intimidation

Despite threats and warnings issued by army and police officials in the North-East, a clay candle tribute to honour and mark Black Tigers Day was held at Jaffna University today. Students of Jaffna University went to the university premises today to pay their tributes for the fallen.

Vavuniya court bans families of the disappeared protest for alleged plans to commemorate Black Tigers Day

The families of the disappeared in Vavuniya were issued a court order that prevented them from staging their scheduled protest today afternoon.

They have been demonstrating outside the post office on the Vavuniya A9 road for over 1,000 consecutive days of protest.

The court order was granted following a request from Vavuniya police officials that were concerns today’s scheduled protest would commemorate and mark the Black Tigers Day on top of their other requests and demands.

Vignettes of Black Tigers

On July 5, Eelam Tamils across the world remember and mourn the sacrifices made by the LTTE's elite women and men, the Black Tigers. “Karumpuli Naal” marks the sacrifice made by the first Black Tiger, Captain Miller, or Vallipuram Vasanthan, 33 years ago.

In 1987, he attacked a Sri Lankan Army garrison in Nelliyadi in the Jaffna district, by driving a small truck with explosives into it. Forty Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in the attack.

TNPF leader threatened with arrest over Black Tigers Day commemoration

Sri Lankan police have threatened Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) leader, Gajen Ponnambalam, with arrest if Black Tigers Day is commemorated today. 

Demining explosion accident in Kilinochchi leaves woman hospitalised

A woman who was injured in an land mine explosion accident has been admitted at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. The incident occurred while she was working on land mine demining and disposal in Iyakachchi, Kilinochchi, on Friday morning.

The 35-year-old woman and other employees of the Hello Trust were working on demining land mines when the sudden unexpected explosion happened.

The mother of three from Rathnapura, Kilinochchi was injured in the face from the explosion.