Today is the tenth anniversary of the assassination of veteran Tamil journalist Aiyathurai Nadesan by a Sri Lankan government-backed death squad.

Nadesan was shot dead in Batticaloa on 31 May 2004 as he was on his way to work.

He reported under the nom-de-plume G. Nadesan for the leading Tamil-language newspaper, Virakesari, and the London-based Tamil radio station, IBC.

Nadesan was one of several journalists, including Mylvaganam Nimalrajan, Dharmeratnam (Taraki) Sivaram and Lasantha Wickrematunga killed as part of silencing criticism of Sri Lanka’s ruthless military campaign.

See coverage of Nadesan’s death and funeral and a report into his death by the Committee to Protect Journalists’ here.

Thirty-three years ago today, 31st May 1981, Sri Lankan security forces set the Jaffna Library ablaze, destroying a monumental collection of Tamil literary manuscripts.

USAID is to reduce its footprint in Sri Lanka due to a "progressively difficult political space" and restrictions on its ability to carry out operations, reports FT.lk.

“Given these realities, and USAID’s aggressive focusing of resources in countries with the most need and where we can have the most sustainable impact, USAID is planning to reduce our footprint in Sri Lanka,” Acting Assistant Administrator Denise Rollins told the House Subcommittee on Asian-Pacific on April 30th.

Investment will be channeled directly into local organisations she added.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa will be meeting newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 3 where discussions regarding AIADMK cooperation with NDA within the Rajya Sabha are likely, reports the Hindu.

“Mr. Modi would certainly discuss the political situation post-elections with Ms. Jayalalithaa, given her high stature. The issue of cooperation in the Rajya Sabha where the NDA is way short of majority will likely be on the agenda,” a BJP leader reportedly said.