Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Namal Rajapaksa, parliamentarian and son of accused war criminal Mahinda Rajapaksa, has called on the Sri Lankan government to summon the Canadian High Commissioner to formally protest the unveiling of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Canada, claiming it promotes a “false genocide narrative” and “distorts history.” In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa accused the…

Sri Lanka Army summoned over non-disclosure of LTTE surrenders - where are they, court questions

In a historic court case, the Appeal Court of Sri Lanka issued a notice to the Sri Lankan army to appear before the judge on March 28th for intentionally concealing information on the number and names of the LTTE cadres who surrendered during the final phase of the war. 

The case was prompted by a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by a former journalist in 2019. The Sri Lankan army despite having the information detailing the figures, the names, the gender, and to whom these surrenders were handed over or where they were sent, has maintained silence over the details. Tamil families of the disappeared have repeatedly demanded the release of these details during their years-long protests.

TNPF organiser released on bail following arrest over Maaveerar Naal commemoration

The Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) Batticaloa district organiser Kanapthipillai Gukakumarajah and his son have been released on bail after they were arrested for trying to commemorate Maaveerar Naal. 

Sri Lanka's USD $13bn debt restructuring plans leave private creditors in the dark

Sri Lanka is aiming to negotiate a debt restructuring with holders of its defaulted US dollar bonds within “a couple of months”, the bankrupt south Asian nation’s central bank governor said, despite complaints by private creditors that no "substantive engagements" have occurred and that there is a "lack of transparency" with government creditors.

Family of Eelam Tamil refugees land in Tamil Nadu

Five Eelam Tamils including three children from the same family reached Dhanushkodi yesterday, after undertaking a journey by boat from Mannar to seek refuge in Tamil Nadu. 

The family who were sent to Mandapam Camp were originally from Vavuniya and had paid a sum of Rs.150,000 to the owners of the boat and crew so they could be taken to Tamil Nadu.

Tamil fisherfolk protest over government restrictions at Fisheries harbour in Jaffna

Tamil fisherfolk in Jaffna have been protesting for three days over alleged attempts by the Department of Fisheries to obstruct the usage of Savalkattu Fisheries harbor, demanding that their incomes and livelihoods have been severely impacted. 

The fishermen who staged a march towards the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat obstructed the entrance of the Secretariat demanding that an immediate solution be provided to them. 

UK raises concern over Sri Lanka's Online Safety Bill's impact on freedom of expression

The UK have raised their concerns over the recently gazetted Online Safety Bill's impact on the "freedom of expression" on the island. 

In a written question to the UK government, Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, asked about the potential impact the bill will have on freedom of expression and religion in Sri Lanka, 

Anne-Marie Trevelyan the Minister of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office responded:

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka allocates Rs. 10 Billion for presidential and general polls

File photograph.

Days after Sri Lanka's president Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a statement citing that the island was “gradually” emerging from its worst economic crisis in generations, the cabinet of ministers has decided that the government is in a position to allocate Rs. 10 Billion for presidential and general elections this year. 

Another former Sri Lankan military commander joins the SJB

Daya Sandagiri, the 14th Naval Commander of Sri Lanka has pledged his support for the Opposition Party Samagi Jana Balawagaya (SJB) headed by Sajith Premadasa today, becoming at least the third senior Sri Lankan military figure to join the party.

Ambulance service suspended in Mullaitivu for over 3 months leaving patients in peril

The Suwa Seriya 1990 free ambulance service, which has been a lifeline across the island, has been suspended in Mankulam for three months, leaving residents in dire situations during emergencies.

Sri Lanka showcases military firepower and seeks Buddhist blessings in Independence Day parade

The Sri Lankan government held a massive parade with thousands of troops to showcase its military firepower on Independence Day over the weekend, whilst Tamils in the North-East raised black flags and faced arrests as they protested.