Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Dissanayake pledges land restitution and 'reconciliation' during Vavuniya rally
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed a campaign rally in Vavuniya this week, making a series of pledges ranging from land restitution to “national reconciliation”, ahead of local government elections next month. Dissanayake announced that all lands marked by the Sri Lankan Forest Department using Google Maps—including farmlands and reservoirs—would be re-evaluated and…

Sri Lanka’s joint opposition to boycott Independence Day

Jan 31, 2016
The Sri Lankan joint opposition will boycott Independence Day celebrations this week due to the ongoing suppression of democracy on the island, said a member of parliament on Monday.

MP Dinesh Gunawardena told reporters that the current government was acting against the principles of good governance and democracy, and as an act of protest members of the opposition would be boycotting the event later this week.

Military style parades are set to feature at the celebrations this year, with rehearsals currently taking place at Galle Face Green in Colombo.

More Sri Lankan state buses carry racist 'Sinhale' sticker

Jan 31, 2016
Photograph Groundviews

More of Sri Lanka's state owned buses have been seen to be carrying the racist 'Sinhale' sticker under the lion symbol.

Last month, the word 'Sinhale' (lion's blood in Sinhala) was found spray-painted over Muslim homes in Nugegoda.

Families of murdered Tamil journalists still awaiting justice

Jan 31, 2016

There has been no progress in investigations into murdered Tamil journalists, despite the Sri Lankan government’s pledges, said the Federation of Eastern Journalists.

Speaking to ucanews.com, Thev Athiran, president of Federation of Eastern Journalists, said that there had been little government support, despite Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe telling parliament in December that the government would pay compensation to the families of 44 journalists.

He went on to state that there had not been any progress in the investigations of murdered Tamil jouranlists.

"Most of the families of killed Tamil journalists have left the country due to fear," said Mr Athiran. He highlighted the killing of Subramaniyam Sugitharajah, who was murdered on January 24 2006, shortly after he took photos of the bodies of five Tamil students who were executed by Sri Lanka’s security forces.

Attorney General blocks arrest of Army commander over case of missing journalist

Jan 31, 2016
Sri Lanka’s Attorney General has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to arrest an army commander over the case of disappeared journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, reports The Sunday Leader.

Army Commander Lieutenant General A. W. J. C. De Silva is himself accused of blocking investigations into the case of the missing journalist, who went missing in 2010.

A CID officer told the Sunday Leader that an “informal message” had been sent to their department, stating that any legal action against the commander must be delayed.

Sources also said that during high level security meeting it was stated if the commander was arrested “certain factions would capitalize on the situation and instigate the masses”.

Sri Lanka constitution committee consults chief Buddhist monks

Jan 31, 2016
The Committee of Public Representations on the Constitution (CPRC) appointed by Prime minster Ranil Wickremsinghe met with a chief Buddhist monk to seek proposals and suggestions for constitutional reforms.

The chairman of the CPRC Lal Wikenayake told media that the committee had brief discussions over the need for a new constitution in the country, reports Colombo Page.

The Committee members are expected to travel the island seeking submissions for Sri Lanka’s constitutional process.

British warship docks in Colombo as part of 'closer defence relations'

Jan 31, 2016

The Royal Navy warship HMS Defender visited Sri Lanka, becoming the first British warship to do so in four years.

In a press release on Monday, the British government stated the UK had a “long military history” with Sri Lanka and the visit “ is a welcome signal of the closer defence relations the two countries are developing”.

UNP considers fielding former Army commander Fonseka

Jan 30, 2016
The United National Party, led by the Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, is considering fielding the former army commander, Sarath Fonseka, at the local government elections later this year.

General Fonseka was the army commander during the end of the armed conflict in 2009 where tens of thousands of Tamils were killed, raped and tortured by Sri Lankan state forces.

The UNP Central Committee will be holding a meeting on February 2nd regarding the nomination.

Sri Lanka hosts regional Commonwealth human rights seminar for parliamentarians

Jan 30, 2016
Sri Lanka will host a three-day Commonwealth regional seminar on Monday to improve the capabilities of parliamentarians to promote and protect human rights in Asia,

The seminar is to be held in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) with the focus of ‘Strengthening the role of Parliamentarians in the promotion and protection of human rights,” reports Colombo Page.

Sri Lanka’s prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will deliver a keynote address to open the seminar.

Sri Lankan navy arrest 9 Tamil Nadu fishermen

Jan 30, 2016
The Sri Lankan navy arrested at least nine Tamil Nadu fishermen on Sunday for allegedly poaching and detained two fishing trawlers.

The arrest comes days after fishermen in Tamil Nadu held a strike, protesting over the Sri Lankan government's refusal to hand back detained fishing boats.

UN Human Rights Chief to visit North

Jan 30, 2016
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein will be visiting the Tamil region of the North, during his visit to Sri Lanka on February 6, reported the Sunday Leader.

Mr Zeid is expected to speak directly to Tamil victims and families affected by the armed conflict.

The Sri Lankan government will be presenting progress made on implementation of the UNHRC resolution co-sponsored by the government last year.

A press conference is expected on February 9, the last day of his visit.
More Sri Lankan state buses carry racist 'Sinhale' sticker
Families of murdered Tamil journalists still awaiting justice
Attorney General blocks arrest of Army commander over case of missing journalist
Sri Lanka constitution committee consults chief Buddhist monks
British warship docks in Colombo as part of 'closer defence relations'
UNP considers fielding former Army commander Fonseka
Sri Lanka hosts regional Commonwealth human rights seminar for parliamentarians
Sri Lankan navy arrest 9 Tamil Nadu fishermen
UN Human Rights Chief to visit North
Tamil People’s Council calls for recognition of right to self determination
More Sri Lankan state buses carry racist 'Sinhale' sticker
Families of murdered Tamil journalists still awaiting justice
Attorney General blocks arrest of Army commander over case of missing journalist
Sri Lanka constitution committee consults chief Buddhist monks
British warship docks in Colombo as part of 'closer defence relations'
UNP considers fielding former Army commander Fonseka
Sri Lanka hosts regional Commonwealth human rights seminar for parliamentarians
Sri Lankan navy arrest 9 Tamil Nadu fishermen
UN Human Rights Chief to visit North
Tamil People’s Council calls for recognition of right to self determination