In a statement, the British Tamil Forum stressed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Sri Lanka’s exorbitant defence spending is “unjustifiable” and worsens both the political and economic crisis the island faces.

Tamils in Batticaloa called on the Sri Lankan government to release political prisoners and protect human rights as protesters in the South continue to demand the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 

A group of United Nations (UN) human rights experts condemned the Sri Lankan Government for cracking down on peaceful demonstrations, urging the state to “guarantee the fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and of expression during peaceful protests,” in a press release this week.

Sri Lanka’s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa made repeated references to “dark” times during the island’s bloody history of conflict, as he called for an end to protests in a defiant televised address earlier today.

In a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has warned that the ongoing economic crisis could lead to a higher death toll than the COVID-19 pandemic if vital medicines are not secured soon.

The U.S government has announced that they will provide an additional USD $7million to assist demining projects and communities affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Tamil Nadu prepares itself for the arrival of more Eelam Tamil refugees as the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka pushes civilians into abject poverty.

Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) MP Selvaraja Gajendran has called on people to carry out a united May 18th Mullivaikkal commemoration. 

Oscar-winning musical composer A R Rahman posted an ode to the Tamil language on his social media accounts last week, in a powerful message that seemingly hit back an Indian minister’s remarks on how Hindi should be used across the country.

Rahman shared an illustration of “Thamizhanangu” of “Goddess Tamil” on his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA), one of Sri Lanka's most powerful trade unions, has declared a medical crisis as doctors and hospitals reported a widespread lack of medicine. 

The GMOA met last week and released a statement declaring a medical emergency.  

Responding to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka, the Economist slams the governance of the Rajapaksa regime noting that their response has been “a mix of intimidation and ineptitude” which has produced “a political crisis to compound the economic disaster”.

At least nine journalists have been injured by Sri Lankan police during protests against the Rajapaksa regime amidst international calls for the government to respect the democratic rights of its citizens.

US Ambassador, Julie Chung stated on Twitter:

Responding to the unfolding economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka, 26 international Tamil student organisations stressed the need to recognise self-determination for Tamils as the only viable solution to Sri Lanka’s current woes.