A Sri Lankan navy ship arrived in Malaysia last week as troops took part in an international military exhibition in the country, despite continued concerns of human rights abuses committed by the Sri Lankan security forces.

The governor of the Northern Province, who had previously criticised Tamil activists travelling to Geneva, has been accused of hypocrisy after a Buddhist Congress held in Vavuniya under his leadership was revealed to have cost over 900,000 rupees ($5000 USD).

Two more Sinhalese men have been arrested by Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force (STF) for illegal sand-mining in Vavuniya.

A 21-year-old and a 32-year-old were arrested during an STF round up in Sinnaputhukulam on Saturday.

The men’s construction vehicle and other equipment were also seized by the STF.

The newly appointed commander of a Sri Lankan military brigade in Trincomalee marked taking up his post by receiving blessings from a Buddhist monk last week, as the security forces continues its close relationship with the island’s powerful Buddhist clergy.

Britain’s Secretary of State for International Trade, who was previously forced to resign over his controversial relationship with Sri Lanka, has reignited his ties with Colombo, holding discussions with Sri Lankan officials at his London office last week.

Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) members and supporters in Mannar marked the 121st birthday of S J V Chelvanayakam today. 

A Tamil detainee at Manipay police station attempting suicide by slitting his throat whilst in custody. 

As part of the ongoing days of protest by families of the disappeared, a demonstration was held outside their office off the A9 road in Kilinochchi yesterday. 

Sri Lanka’s fishing authority has failed to take action against illegal activities carried out by Sinhalese and Muslim fishermen in Mullaitivu, while targeting Tamil fishermen for arrests.

Sri Lankan soldiers stationed in Kilinochchi were at another Tamil pre-school this week, as militarisation of the region continues despite fierce opposition from locals.