Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Sri Lanka's United National Party (UNP) has accused the National People's Power (NPP) government of attempting to undermine Buddhism and interfere in the affairs of the Buddhist clergy, as controversy continues over proposed reforms aimed at addressing misconduct within the Buddhist Sangha. The dispute comes amid heightened public scrutiny of Buddhist institutions following allegations of…

New accommodation built for Sri Lankan troops in Kilinochchi

The Sri Lankan military declared open a new accommodation block for troops in Kilinochchi this week, declared an official army website.

Asgiriya Chapter Buddhist monk warns Sri Lankan government

The General Secretary of the Asgiriya Chapter warned the Sri Lankan government that it had failed to heed the advice given by the chief monks of the island’s three major Buddhist orders, reports The Island.

Dr Medagama Dhammananda Nayaka said that a month had passed since Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena met with the chief monks, but “no action had been taken”.

In particular he cited the SAITM dispute and Central Bank Bond scams as areas of concern.

Sri Lankan Air Force celebrates 6th anniversary in North-East

The Sri Lankan Air Force celebrated the 6th anniversary of establishing bases in Mullaitivu and Iranamadu last week, with a series of events in the Tamil North-East.

Sri Lanka to review India's investment proposal for 70% equity of Mattala international airport

Sri Lanka is to review an US$ 205 million Indian investment proposal to operate Sri Lanka’s second international airport in the southern town of Mattala, reports The Hindu.

The Sri Lanka government gave clearance to its Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Sri Pala de Silva to set up a committee to study the Indian government’s proposal. India proposes to “operate, manage, maintain and develop” the airport and hold 70% equity for 40 years, in a US $205 million investment.

Buddhas encroaching Kovils - Sinhalisation of Point Pedro

The building and expansion of two Buddhist shrines in close proximity to Hindu temples in Point Pedro has left locals fearing further Sinhalisation of their area.

Sri Lanka and India hold bilateral meeting in Kathmandu

India's minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj held a meeting on Friday with Sri Lanka's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vasantha Senanayake in Kathmandu. 

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). 

Mr Senanayake represented Sri Lanka after the country's foreign minister was forced to resign over corruption allegations. 

According to Colombo Page, "both ministers exchanged views on mutual relations but have not discussed regional issues."

Sri Lankan navy and STF arrest 3 Indian nationals in East

Three Indian nationals were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy and the Special Task Force on Friday for allegedly violating immigration laws. 

All three people arrested are from Tamil Nadu and aged 27, 36 and 41, Colombo Page reported. 

They had been harvesting a paddy field in Nindavur where they were arrested, the paper added. 

Eastern Uni to be evacuated as tensions prevail after Sinhala students attack staff

The Eastern University has been ordered to be evacuated as tensions remained high following the attack on security staff by Sinhala students on Tuesday. 

The order was issused on Saturday by the Eravur Magistrate Court, the Daily Mirror reported. 

Two security staff, including one female member of staff, were hospitalised following the attack. 

Sri Lankan government 'has not lived up to its commitments' - GTF

Criticising the failure of the Sri Lankan government to make significant progress on implemented the UN Human Rights Council resolution it co-sponsored, the Global Tamil Forum reiterated the need for accountability, stating the "the present coalition government has not lived up to its commitments and yet to take any meaningful steps in this respect."

"No efforts have been made by the top Sri Lankan leaders to integrate credible international participation in the local judicial processes as stipulated in the UNHRC resolutions," the organisation said. 

TNA meets with Norwegian ambassador

The Tamil National Alliance met with Norway's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther on Friday. 

The TNA was represented by its leader, R Sampanthan and TNA spokesperson, M A Sumanthiran.