Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Alongside Tamil Americans in New Jersey and across the United States, I honor the memory of the tens of thousands of Tamils who were killed or forcibly disappeared during Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict. We continue to advocate for a just and lasting political solution based on Tamil… — Congressman Herb Conaway (@RepHerbConaway) May 15, 2025 US Congressman Herb Conaway has expressed his support…

24th anniversary of Puthukkudiyiruppu aerial bombing commemorated

On September 15th, the 24th anniversary of the tragic Puthukudiyiruppu aerial bombing massacre was solemnly commemorated. This devastating event unfolded as a result of aerial bombings conducted by the Sri Lankan Air Force, claiming the lives of 24 innocent civilians who were present at the public market when it was bombed.

Excavations at Kokkuthoduvai mass grave halted after exhuming 17 skeletal remains

The 9th day of excavation, conducted on September 15th, marked a significant development in the ongoing investigations at the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave, as the skeletal remains of 3 more victims were exhumed. Alongside this discovery, one more dog tag, belonging to former cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), has been recovered and taken as evidence for further investigations.

Land dispute sparks tensions between villages in Vavuniya

A contentious land dispute has erupted between residents of Kokkuveli and Karuppanichchankulam, triggering tensions and leading to a standoff between the two communities. The dispute revolves around an attempted land grab by Sinhala families from Kokkuveli, who seek to build a crematorium and cemetery for their use.

Vavuniya court rejects Sri Lankan police request to ban Lt Col Thileepan memorial

A court in Vavuniya rejected an application filed by Sri Lankan police to ban a memorial float dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan from travelling through Vavuniya. 

The police reportedly filed the application after two people had made a complaint that the memorial float would "disrupt racial harmony". 

On Saturday, a memorial float commemorating Lt Col Thileepan, a political wing leader of the LTTE, set off from Pottuvil and is heading towards Nallur to mark 36 years since his death. 

Thileepan began his fast on the 15th of September 1987, calling on the Indian government to honour pledges made to the Tamil people. 

Tamils' right to remember should be protected - Politicians condemn attack on Thileepan's memorial

Politicians from the UK, Canada and Finland have condemned the recent attack on Lt Col Thileepan's memorial float by a Sinhala mob in Trincomalee. 

Tamils in Mullaitivu protest Sinhala mob attack on Thileepan memorial

Tamils held a protest in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu, today to condemn the attack by a Sinhala mob on a memorial float dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan. 

Tamils from Thevipuram and Vallipunam chanted "do we not have the right to remember our loved ones?" during their demonstration. 

Sinhala mob attack memorial dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan

A Sinhala mob attacked and destroyed a memorial float dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan as it travelled through Trincomalee today. 

Mark Antony - Impressively Stupid and Stupidly Impressive

From his debut feature ‘Trisha Illana Nayanthara,’ Adhik Ravichandran established himself as the king of tastelessness. Successive films such as ‘AAA’ and ‘Bagheera’ were both critically panned and box office failures. Somehow, not only has the director managed to keep making films, but has doubled down on his style with his new film ‘Mark Antony.’ Even more surprisingly, the film manages to entertain its audience by sticking wholeheartedly to its ridiculousness. 

8th day of Kokkuthoduvai mass grave excavation continues

The excavation of the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave entered its eighth day on September 14th, uncovering additional evidence crucial to the ongoing investigation. 

Palaly residents struggle for resettlement despite land allocation

Residents of Palaly, located in Valikamam North, continue to face significant challenges to get resettled, despite the allocation of lands for this purpose. The state's failure to provide the necessary support and permits for building houses and infrastructure on the released lands has left the affected residents in a difficult situation.