The Tamil National Green Organisation opened its annual 'Karthikai Vaasam' flower garden at Kittu Memorial Park in Nallur, Jaffna today and honoured fallen LTTE cadres. 

Participants were welcomed with a Karthikai flower - gloriosa superba - before a sacrificial lamp was lit by the mother of a fallen female LTTE cadre, in memory of the tens of thousands of Tamil fighters who gave their lives in the liberation struggle. 

Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s former president and credibly accused war criminal, celebrated his birthday surrounded by friends and family last week, including current Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In video footage shared widely across social media, the elder Rajapaksa is seen cutting a birthday cake adorned with sparklers.

Students from the Eastern University paid their respects to fallen LTTE cadres on the second day of Maaveerar remembrance week.

The students lit lamps by a Pongu Tamil memorial on campus and called on students to mark Maaveerar Naal on November 27 to honour those who sacrificed their lives.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Sri Lanka will no longer be hosts for the Under-19 men's Cricket World Cup, which is due to be held in just a few months time, after the country was suspended due to political interference in the sport.

Though the ICC announced the suspension has now been lifted, it “confirmed Sri Lanka would be replaced as hosts” for the upcoming tournament in January 2024.

Officers from Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is notorious for its widespread use of torture, have reportedly launched an investigation into the death of a Tamil youth after he was tortured last week.

25-year-old Nagarasa Alex died from the torture he was subjected to in Sri Lankan police custody. His death sparked protests in his hometown in Jaffna, and wider calls for justice.

In her debut novel ‘Your Driver is Waiting’, Priya Guns challenges us to rethink the lies we are told about capitalism. Following the death of her beloved Appa at his minimum wage job, Damani’s life is thrown into turmoil. Unable to put her degree to use, she keeps her family afloat, driving her late father’s old car for a ride-share company. 

Diaspora Tamils from the same village as 25-year-old Nagarasa Alex, a Tamil youth who was tortured to death in Sri Lankan police custody, have demanded justice be served and the officers responsible held accountable.

In an open letter published this week, Tamils from Sithankerni in Jaffna who now reside in Europe have echoed calls from their hometown.

“What are the answers for our dear friend Alex's death due to police torture?” the letter asked.

Switzerland’s ambassador to Sri Lanka said her government was “deeply concerned” after a Tamil youth was killed after being tortured in Sri Lankan police custody this week.

“Any case of alleged custodial mistreatment should be impartially investigated by the Sri Lakan authorities,” tweeted Ambassador Siri Walt.

Events were held in Canada and the UK on Tuesday to mark Tamil Eelam national flag day, an initiative that was started in 2021 to honour the Tamil Eelam flag.

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, an elderly Eelam Tamil woman from Mullaitivu emerged victorious at the Masters Athletics Championships held in the Philippines.

71-year-old Akila Thirunayaki Sriseyananthapavan won gold medals in both the 1,500 and 5,000 metre races, as well as a bronze medal in the 800 meter race, captivating hearts globally.

Competing barefoot against her opponents, Thirunayaka still sprinted her way to victory.