Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Mannar Urban Council Chairman Daniel Vasanthan has strongly condemned the arrest of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), stating that the detention reflects a situation where "Tamils do not even have the freedom to sing". Speaking at a media briefing held at the Mannar Urban Council on Friday, Vasanthan criticised the decision to arrest the…

Tamils prepare for Mullivaikkal commemorations amidst Sri Lankan navy surveillance

Preparations are underway at Mullivaikkal memorial yard ahead of May 18, also known as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, despite surveillance by Sri Lankan navy. 

Sumanthiran calls out hypocrisy of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader over ‘genocide in Gaza’

Tamil lawmaker M A Sumanthiran called out the hypocrisy of  Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem in parliament this week, as the former Sri Lankan justice minister who lobbied against international accountability for the Tamil genocide, demanded his government cut ties with Israel over the “genocide in Gaza”.

“We know what is like to have suffered this way, so we stand in solidarity,” the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) MP told the house, adding that members of parliament were being hypocritical when it comes to Tamil people and Palestinians.

US Congress resolution calls for Tamil Eelam independence referendum

A landmark resolution was introduced to the US Congress calling on the United States to work towards an independence referendum for Eelam Tamils and recognise the genocide committed against them by the Sri Lankan state.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Wiley Nickel, is the first of its kind to be brought to the US Congress. It comes as Tamils marked 15 years since the Mullivaikkal genocide this week, with May 18 commemorated as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day worldwide.

Tamil and Muslim lawyers successfully push Muttur court to overturn ban on serving Mullivaikkal kanji

Muttur Magistrate Court has rescinded a ban on the distrbution of kanji after Tamil and Muslim lawyers successfully called for the court order to be overturned. 

Tamils in the North-East mark day 5 of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Week

Tamils in the North-East are marking the fifth day of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Week by distributing kanji to honour the victims of the massacre at Mullivaikkal. 

Over the last few days, Mullivaikkal kanji has been distributed in the lead-up to May 18, also known as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. The sharing of kanji is an attempt by Tamils in the homeland and abroad to chronicle their struggles, understand their plight, and honour them in their deaths.

Mannar

Eastern University student union condemns arrest of four Tamils over kanji distribution

The Eastern University's student union has condemned the arrest of four Tamils in Trincolmalee and called for their immediate release. 

Reflections from Mullivaikkal: Remembering What was Lost Part 4

Three of my children were killed in an artillery attack on the same day at the same place.  If they were alive today, the eldest son would be 20 years old, daughter would be 17 years old, and the youngest son would be 15 years old. With them, nine members of my family, including my mother-in-law, my husband’s 6-year-old sister, his younger brother, brother’s wife, their 6-year-old son and their 9-month-old daughter, were killed in that incident. Six of them were children.

Tamil MP demands justice over Tamil death caused by Sri Lankan police

Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) MP Selvarajah Kajendren called for the immediate arrest of two police officers whom he says are responsible for the death of 41-year-old Pradeepan Selvanayakam in Jaffna. 

US Ambassador travels to Jaffna as Sri Lankan government cracks down on Mullivaikkal commemorations

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung is visiting Jaffna at a time when the Sri Lankan government has increased its crackdown on Mullivaikkal commemorations across the Tamil homeland.

“This week I’m back in Jaffna to listen to diverse perspectives from civil society, youth, local officials and religious leaders to explore avenues for continued U.S. collaboration and support for Sri Lankans in the Northern Province,” she tweeted. 

Victims of Kumuthini boat massacre remembered 39 years on

The 39th anniversary of the Kumuthini boat massacre was solemnly observed on Delft island today, as people gathered to remember the 36 Tamils who were killed by Sri Lankan naval officers.