Tamil families held a protest in Mullaitivu today, marking nine years of continuous demonstrations as they continue to seek answers about the fate of their forcibly disappeared relatives.

Two British Members of Parliament have launched a campaign calling for the introduction of a GCSE qualification in Tamil, stating that the move would recognise the language’s global significance and provide fair educational opportunities for Tamil-speaking students across the United Kingdom.

Sri Lankan political leaders have offered tributes following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Colombo and Tehran that has spanned successive Sri Lankan administrations.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed condolences in a message posted on social media.

Sri Lanka’s political establishment has been walking a tightrope this week, after the island was thrust into global headlines following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a United States submarine. 

Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into allegations that police assaulted protesters during a demonstration against the controversial Thaiyiddy Vihara in Jaffna.

Sri Lanka’s government has moved to extend the state of emergency, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and potential disruptions to essential services in the coming weeks.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has confirmed that Iran had requested permission for its naval vessels to visit Sri Lanka days before one of its warships was struck near the island’s southern coast.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has questioned how a US submarine was able to enter Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and carry out an attack on an Iranian naval vessel without the government being aware of its present.

A second Iranian vessel, the Irins Bushehr, is expected to dock at Trincomalee port after 208 crew members were evacuated in Colombo due to an engine malfunction. The incident comes just days after the United States sank an Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, near Sri Lanka.