Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

  Today, Tamils around the world are commemorating 16 years since the massacres at Mullivaikkal. Though more than a decade-and-half has passed, the situation on the island for Eelam Tamils seems as precarious as ever. There has been no accountability for the atrocities that took place. The seizure of historic Tamil land has continued unabated. And an enduring political solution that will…

Court of appeal rejects BIOT Commissioner's appeal and expresses 'serious concern' over welfare of Tamil asylum seekers

In a landmark decision, the British Indian Overseas Territories (BIOT) Court of Appeals rejected an appeal launched by the BIOT Commissioner, against an earlier Supreme Court judgement by Judge Mararet OBI, and reiterate its concerns over the welfare of Tamil asylum seekers on the territory, and in particular the welfare of children.

Families of the Disappeared call on homeland to mark day of the disappeared

The North-East Families of the Disappeared has appealed to people in the homeland to gather together to mark August 30th, which is the International Day of the Disappeared, to call for an international investigation into the war crimes committed by Sri Lanka 

The association held a press conference at the Jaffna Press Club to reiterate the need for an investigation, which the Sri Lankan government is yet to deliver. 

US Navy Ship docks at Colombo Port

The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) docked at the Colombo Port this week, for replenishment according to the Sri Lankan Navy. The destroyer which stretches 160 meters in length is operated by a crew of 338 personnel. The ship is under the command of Commander Thomas Adams.

Sri Lankan government summons Canadian High Commissioner over Genocide monument

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry had reportedly summoned the Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh to formally protest the laying of the foundation stone for the Tamil Genocide Monument at the Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada on August 14.

Top US diplomat to visit Lanka ahead of Presidential polls

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn is scheduled to visit Colombo where she is expected to engage with the Sri Lankan government, and civil society to discuss joint efforts on climate resilience, environment protection, and wildlife conservation. Her visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is bracing for a decisive presidential polls which is scheduled to be held on September 21st. 

Sri Lanka's permanent rep to UN ordered to pay AUD $543,000 in unpaid wages in modern slavery case

Himalee Subashini Arunatilaka, the current Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, has been ordered by the Australian Federal Court to pay $543,000 in unpaid wages and interest to a domestic worker who served her when she was deputy high commissioner of Sri Lanka in Australia.

Sid Sriram talks Eelam Tamils, A R Rahman and embracing his identity

Ahead of his headline London show in October, musician Sid Sriram sat down to speak with the Tamil Guardian about how he grew to embrace his identity, recall midnight recording sessions with A R Rahman and his deep love for the Eelam Tamil community worldwide.

 

BREAKING - Sinhalese protesters disrupt Canadian event for Tamil Genocide monument

A group of Sinhalese protesters disrupted a ceremony in which a foundation stone was being laid to mark the beginning of the construction of the Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Canada on Wednesday. 

The protesters, who numbered just over a dozen in total, held Sri Lankan flags, shouted 'shame on you' and held placards that read claimed Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is 'destroying peaceful Sri Lanka’, as Tamils gathered at the ceremony. Their attempts to disrupt it come after the Sri Lankan government tried to block  the construction of the monument dedicated to the victims of the Tamil genocide. 

 

 

India and Sri Lanka begin joint counter-insurgency defence training

Despite it being 15 years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, India and Sri Lanka continue to undertake joint military exercises to enhance their military capability for counter-insurgency operations. 

Tamil youths sign petition in Mannar to hold politicians to account

In a bid to hold Tamil politicians accountable, Eelam Tamil youths signed a petition as part of a larger signature campaign demanding that promises made by Tamil members of parliament during the election be fulfilled. 

This part of the campaign which was held in Mannar was organized by the National Fisheries Solidarity Organization (NAFSO). This fisherfolk movement works with marginalized groups such as internally displaced people.