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…

Sri Lankan troops arrive in Malaysia for military exhibition

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.

Northern governor accused of hypocrisy over 900,000 rupee Buddhist congress

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).

More Sinhalese arrested over illegal sand-mining in Vavuniya

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.

Buddhist blessings for new Sri Lankan commander

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.

Liam Fox looks to get back in business with Sri Lanka

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.

ITAK honours Chelvanayakam on his birthday

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

Tamil detainee slits throat in police custody

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

Families of disappeared in Kilinochchi demand justice

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. 

Still no action on illegal fishing by Sinhalese in Mullaitivu

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.

Militarisation continues: Sri Lankan troops at another Tamil pre-school

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.