Members of the US Congress reiterated their support for a landmark resolution this week, calling for an independence referendum for Eelam Tamils and recognising the genocide committed against them by the Sri Lankan state.

Shortly after introducing the resolution and speeches on the Congress floor, members addressed an event at the Library of Congress. Over 100 Tamils from across the United States and around the world were in attendance to mark the occasion.

US House Representative Wiley Nickel told Congress that a resolution supporting an independence referendum for Eelam Tamils is a “crucial step towards healing, justice and a lasting peace”.

The Jaffna Teachers Association and student union denounced the move by the Sri Lankan government to stop remembrance commemorations ahead of  May 18, also known as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day.

Jaffna - Kantharmadam

An event was organized in Kantharmadam in Jaffna today to mark the sixth day of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Week as Tamils around the world commemorate 15 years since the Tamil genocide. Parents brought their children and explained to them the struggles of Tamils and how they were massacred during the final stages of the armed conflict. At the event, Mullivaikkal Kanji was prepared and served as a reminder of the genocide and atrocities committed by the Sri Lanka Security Forces. 

US House Representative Don Davis told Congress “we must stand with the Eelam Tamil community,” as he spoke to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of the Tamil genocide.

“I rise to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka,” the Democratic Representative told Congress.

This week marks the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, when over 700,000 Palestinians were made refugees after they were expelled from their land by armed Israeli settlers. Fifteen years ago, Sri Lanka’s genocide led to the total military occupation of the North-East and an expanding programme of Sinhala settlements.

Week after week, I join millions in demanding a ceasefire in Gaza because I come from a long tradition of Eelam Tamils who oppose the occupation of Palestine. We see direct parallels with the Tamil liberation struggle in the Palestinian liberation struggle. Both are rooted in a history that resists settler colonialism, occupation, and genocide.

And, we remember the Tamil genocide as we bear witness to the genocide unfolding in Gaza.  

Four Tamils have been released on bail after they arrested earlier this week for distrubuting kanji as part of commemorations to mark 15 years since the Tamil genocide.

Kamaleswaran Themila, Kamaleswaran Vijitha, Kalirajah Sujani and Hariharakumar, were arrested by Sri Lankan police on Sunday night. Video footage shows Sri Lankan police officers dragging two of the women away during the arrest. 

In a new report, the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) states that the risk of future enforced disappearances remains today as Sri Lanka has failed to “tackle structural weaknesses and to undertake necessary reform.”  

A committee appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe will coordinate the allocation of public land to members of the Sri Lankan military.  

The Land Commissioner had mentioned in meetings with government officials that the lands allocated for former members of Sri Lanka’s military needed to be more adequate.

Preparations are underway at Mullivaikkal memorial yard ahead of May 18, also known as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, despite surveillance by Sri Lankan navy.