Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

A protest march was held last month opposing limestone excavation, mineral sand mining and a proposed wind power project across the villages of Veravil, Valaipadu, Ponnaveli and Kiranchi, in the Poonakary Divisional Secretariat division of Kilinochchi. The demonstration was organised against plans to establish wind power stations and to carry out mineral sand and limestone extraction in the…

EU, UK, Canada and Australia tell Sri Lanka death penalty is ‘unacceptable denial of human dignity’

The European Union and several other governments released a statement on Monday, calling on Sri Lanka to halt steps towards reinstating the death penalty, stating it was an “unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity”.

The statement, which was issued in agreement with the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and the UK, called on the Sri Lankan government to “maintain its moratorium on the death penalty”.

Mullaitivu families urge international community to deliver justice

Families of the disappeared in Mullaitivu held a demonstration yesterday calling on the international community to deliver justice. 

Thousands attend showcase of British Tamil businesses

Tamil businesses showcased their products and services at the 5th London Tamil Market this weekend, attended by thousands of British Tamils. 

Vavuniya families of disappeared reiterate call for justice

Families of the disappeared in Vavuniya held a protest on Saturday, marking the 777th day of their campaign. 

UN resident coordinator meets TNA leader

The UN resident coordinator for Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer met with the leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), R Sampanthan on Saturday. 

Dutch, Indian and Chinese troops learn from Sri Lankan military

The Sri Lankan military hosted an ‘Asymmetric Warfare Course’ in Trincomalee, attended by 22 foreign military personnel from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Netherlands, and Pakistan.

British troops carry out joint exercise with Sri Lankan navy

A British navy vessel arrived in Colombo and carried out a joint naval exercise with the Sri Lankan military last week, despite continued concerns of impunity for rights violations committed by Sri Lankan troops.

10 years today - Thousands of British Tamils occupy Parliament Square

This weekend marks 10 years since thousands of British Tamils began a 73 day long continuous protest at Parliament Square in London, as the Sri Lankan government ramped up a military offensive that had already massacred tens of thousands.

Sushma urged to secure release of 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen

India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj has been urged to secure the release of 18 fishermen who were detained by the Sri Lankan navy this month. 

Minister's bodyguard acquitted over shooting dead protestor

Sri Lanka's Minister of Petroleum, Arjuna Ranatunga's bodyguard was acquitted by Colombo Magistrate Court on Friday over the shooting dead of a protester in October last year.