Tamil and Muslim groups in the North-East have staged a hartal, with the majority of businesses in towns of the region closed in protest at continuing grievances.
Tamil civil society organisations have called on the European Parliament to deny Sri Lanka restoration of GSP+ until at least a list of surrendees and detainees is released by the Sri Lankan government.
Tamils working on military-run farms and preschools were forced to protest against the Northern Provincial Council by civil security department personnel.
Employees of military run agricultural and preschool ventures, including a significant number of former LTTE cadres, were threatened with suspension of wages if they refused to attend the protests.
Sri Lankan terrorism police interrogated Tamil organisers of a memorial sports tournament this week.
A knock-out football tournament organised by ‘Agni Siragugal’ or ‘Wings of Fire’ has been taking place in the run-up to Mullivaikkaal remembrance day on May 18th. Sports clubs across the North-East have been participating.
The garbage dump collapse in the town of Meetotamulla, near Colombo, has killed at least 30 people, while damaging approximately 150 homes.
"This is a government-made disaster…I have a mix of feelings — of anger, frustration and sorrow. We have been trying to protest and raise these issues, but no one was listening," a local resident stated.
The European Union will provide 42 million euros in assistance to Sri Lanka for agriculture and reconciliation. With the majority going to modernisation of agriculture, around 12 million euros has reportedly been allocated towards strengthening the reconciliation process.
