The post mortem examination of the dead body of an elderly Tamil woman reveals that she was murdered before her body was dumped.

The body, found in a well in Jaffna, was indentified as that of 78 year old Pushpam by her children.

The Sri Lankan Air Force has opened a kindergarten for Tamil children in Batticaloa.

A report on the Defence Ministry’s website says that the pre-school will be run by “qualified personnel of the SLAF who have undergone specialised training in language and Pre-School teaching”.

Members of the Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) provided flood relief to residents affected by the heavy rains and floods in Mannar.

Members, including Selvarajah Kajendran, Sathiyaseelan, Sivapaatham Kajendrakumar, Krishnagopal and Benedict, distributed the flood relief items comprising of donations by an Oslo based Tamil diaspora organisation.

Several Canadian MPs have extended their Pongal wishes to the Tamil community in Canada.

Minister Jason Kennedy, the leader of the opposition Tom Mulcair, NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan and Ontario PC leader Tim Hudak were amongst those who sent their wishes.

See below for statements and extracts.

Leader of the NDP Tom Mulcair

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kennedy

“This day of gratitude is celebrated by all those in the Tamil community around the world in the company of friends and family. For all Canadians, Thai Pongal provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions that Canada’s Tamil community has made to our country’s rich and diverse heritage. I offer my best wishes to all those celebrating Thai Pongal.”

Commenting on the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, the spokesperson for the US State Department, Victoria Nuland, said:

A Tamil refugee, who was deemed to be a national security risk, had her newly born son taken away from her as she faced prolonged detention at the Villawood Detention Centre in Australia.

Speaking to CNN, the woman's husband, identified only as Ganesh, described how Baby Paari was taken away from his wife Ranjini a few hours after he was born on Tuesday.

The head of the Sri Lankan Army Jagath Jayasuriya, escorted by Sinhalese tribal dancers in Jaffna (Pic courtesy army.lk)

The Sri Lankan Army has opened two further holiday resorts for its troops, according to the army's website.

The chief of the army, Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya, opened the resorts on the Jaffna peninsula. One of the resorts is funded by the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) and the other by the Army Troop.

The President's son, Namal Rajapaksa, Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and Jaffna Commander Major General Mahinda Jathurusinghe were 'distinguished guests' at the Elephant Pass Thai Pongal event organised by the Sri Lankan security forces.

The Jaffna Security Forces handed out gift parcels to those present.

Addressing a conference on youth and reconciliation, the president's son, Namal Rajapaksa explained his 3 R's programme - Rebuilding, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation:

Speaking out about the alleged discovery of explosives at his Kilinochi office, TNA MP Sritharan accused the government of spinning a charade.

After weeks of controversy over an impeachment motion and Supreme Court rulings, Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake was sacked today by the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse. A letter signed by Rajapakse was delivered to Bandaranayake's office.

In a statement, the Presidential office said:

Several protestors, who have been demonstrating for a boycott of Sri Lanka’s cricket team, have said that they are being ‘stalked’ by individuals, suspected to have links with the Sri Lankan embassy, reported SMH.