Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Skeletal remains found without skulls, and a body wearing a raincoat, are among the latest discoveries at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna, where the number of sets of human remains identified has risen to 478 as the third phase of court-supervised excavations continues. The findings come as Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department told the Jaffna Magistrate's Court on Thursday that it…

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. 

 

Tamil preschool children given tour of Palaly air base by Sri Lankan Army

Tamil preschool children were given a tour of Palaly air base by Sri Lankan soldiers on Friday.

The base is inside a high security zone, military-occupied land which is usually inaccessible to locals.

48 children from the Karaveddy Child Jesus Pre-School, along with their parents and 5 members of staff were given the tour.

Ceylon Electricity Board fencing off 200 acres private paddy land in Sampur

Fencing activity by the Ceylon Electricity Board on paddy lands in Sampur has angered the land’s recently resettled owners.

Trincomalee MP K. Thurairetnasingam wrote to President Sirisena following outcry by the owners of paddy land in Kilalveli that their livelihood lands were being encroached upon.

“These paddy lands have been ploughed, levelled and made ready for paddy cultivation. At this stage it is being taken by CEB without the concern of the owners of such land. This action is seen by the people as a highly inhuman action,” Mr Thurairetnasingam wrote.

Sri Lankan soldier turned Buddhist monk in Jaffna  to preach to troops

A former Major General in the Sri Lankan army who was accused of murder and torture and has since been ordained as a Buddhist monk was in Jaffna this week, delivering a lecture to Sri Lankan soldiers.