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…

38 years since Sri Lanka destroyed one of the largest Hindu chariots in the world

Today marks 38 years since Sri Lankan soldiers destroyed the chariot of the ancient Selva Channithy Murugan Temple in Thondaimaanaaru, one of the largest Hindu chariots in the world at the time.

The BJP’s southern gambit

As India, the world’s largest democracy, heads to the polls, much focus has been on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its campaign in Tamil Nadu – a powerhouse state of more than 70 million Tamils. The North Indian party has been intensely campaigning as it looks to expand southwards into an area where it currently holds no seats. Though projections suggest an increase in vote share, it is unlikely to translate into more than a handful of seats - if any. Few in the region see the party as being able to commit to or foster the Tamil people and their interests. New Delhi’s policy on Sri Lanka and its lack of support for Eelam Tamils just a stone’s throw away, demonstrates exactly why.

Russian Embassy in Colombo says it has no information on Sri Lankan mercenaries

In a tweet posted by the Russian Embassy, the Russian Embassy in Colombo denied any involvement in the recruitment of Sri Lankan military members adding it had “no information about the participation of Sri Lankan nationals in the Ukraining conflict on the Russian side, nor data regarding possible numbers.” 

Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring with bondholders fails to reach agreement

Sri Lanka’s discussion with international bondholders to restructure more than USD 12 billion in debt hit a snag after it rejected two of the conditions, putting at risk the critical International Monetary Fund support which has been a lifeline to Sri Lanka since the onset of the economic crisis in 2022. 

Tamil journalist threatened, barred from publishing footage as residents argue with Devananda

A Tamil journalist who had attended a public meeting chaired by Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Minister and government-aligned paramilitary leader Douglas Devananda was threatened by his security for filming an argument between residents and the minister. 

Mullaitivu fishermen slam Sri Lanka's fisheries minister for failing to prevent illegal fishing

Tamil fishermen from Mullaitivu have criticised Sri Lanka's Fisheries Miniser Douglas Devananda, and leader of the notrious government-aligned EPDP paramilitary group, for failing to prevent Indian fishermen from poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

Annai Poopathy remembered across the Tamil homeland

Tamils across the North-East commemorated Annai Poopathy on Friday to mark 36 years since she fasted unto death in protest of the atrocities committed by the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF). 

A big honour to represent the Tamil community' - Meet Canada's National Wrestling Champions, Aaharen and Adsaya Piranavan

Tamil Guardian sat down with national winners of the 2024 Canadian Wrestling Championships, Adsaya and Aaharen Piranavan, accompanied by their parents, to discuss their passion for martial arts, healthy sibling rivalries, and the challenges immigrant parents face when trying to provide a better life for their children. 

US National Security Advisor discusses support for Sri Lanka’s ‘security and sovereignty’

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Sagala Ratnayake, Sri Lanka’s national security advisor, on US “support to Sri Lanka’s security and sovereignty” earlier this month, as ties between the two governments continue to grow.

Lack of transparency and consistency hinder Sri Lank’s economic prospects

Chief Delegate of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, Marie Antonia von Schönburg said that Sri Lanka’s lack of transparency and consistency “are significant hurdles in attracting and retaining foreign investments in Sri Lanka.”