Despite criticism from Tamils across the North-East and international organisations, Sri Lanka’s much criticised ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ Commission held a forum in the South last week, with the participation of Colombo-based civil society organisations and journalists.

Leader of the lankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Sivagnanam Shritharan speaking to parliament told the house that “Sinhalese leaders waged a war against their own brethern and turned into a genocide," adding "in a country where justice does not prevail, the economy cannot flourish”.

Following the disintegration of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a coalition of Tamil political parties that broke down last year, the leader of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) raised the possibility of once again teaming up with the Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) under the new leadership of S Shritharan.

Vanni District Member of Parliament Selvam Adaikkalanathan said that his party is ready to make concessions so that all Tamil political parties can work together for a common goal.

Students from the Jaffna and Eastern universities issued a statement declaring that they are “a nation with a traditional homeland and are entitled to nationhood and the right of self-determination,” in a proclamation released to mark February 4th as a 'Black Day' for Eelam Tamils.

A group of Sinhala monks who were escorted to the Vedukkunaari Adi Shiva temple in Vavuniya by the Sri Lankan army reiterated claims that the site was Buddhist and sent a warning to the Tamil diaspora over the future of the site.

It is learnt that the monks were escorted by the army on plough machine in what is said was a surprise visit that the temple administrators were not formally alerted of.

Vavuniya High Court Judge Manikkavasagam Ilanchelian ruled that the commanders of the Sri Lankan army's Omanthai Command should be held responsible for the disappearance of Tamil youth, Kandasamy Ilamaran, who went missing upon arriving at the Omanthai checkpoint in 2006. 

A memorial to mark the 19th death anniversary of the former ITAK MP for the Amparai District, Ariyanayagam Chandranehru, was held by the Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) on Friday.

Chandranehru hailed from Thirukkovil, Amparai. He was named after two leading Indian independence activists admired by his father – Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. He was the son of K. A. W. Ariyanayagam (Arappor Ariyanayagam), one of the founders of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK). 

On 2 February, Malvern Family Resource Center (MFRC) launched its #MalvernMade campaign to celebrate and recognise Malvern changemakers who have made a positive impact in the community. The event was attended by notable politicians and community leaders including Scarborough – Rouge Park MP Gary Anandasangaree and Deputy Mayor McKelvie.

In the Eastern province of Kalmunai, dozens of Sri Lankan Muslims gathered after Friday prayers to protest ongoing war in Gaza and express their support for Palestinians.

Image of UNHCR camp by UKAID

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) has announced that it will close its offices in Colombo before the end of this year, leaving hundreds of refugees uncertain over their future.

The UNHCR is the internationally mandated body that is responsible for processing refugees for resettlement to third countries and provides vital support to enable refugees to access basic essentials in their country of asylum.