Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

A protest march was held last month opposing limestone excavation, mineral sand mining and a proposed wind power project across the villages of Veravil, Valaipadu, Ponnaveli and Kiranchi, in the Poonakary Divisional Secretariat division of Kilinochchi. The demonstration was organised against plans to establish wind power stations and to carry out mineral sand and limestone extraction in the…

Remembering Raviraj 16 years on

Image courtesy of @Tamil Narratives

Today marks 16 years since Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP and human rights lawyer, Nadarajah Raviraj was assassinated in Colombo. 

Mr Raviraj was shot in Colombo at close range by unidentified gunmen on a motorbike at around 8:30am on November 10 2006, as he got into his car after giving an interview. The MP died later in hospital. His bodyguard was also killed. 

Sri Lanka hopes economy to enter recovery path by end-2023


Considering the progress made in relation to the IMF- Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programe and debt restructuring negotiations, and the reforms that have already been undertaken and those that are to be implemented in the period ahead, the Sri Lankan economy is expected to transition onto the path to recovery from the latter part of 2023.

Over 9,000 complaints lodged by the public against Sri Lankan Police


The National Police Commission (NPC) has received 9,295 complaints about the Sri Lanka Police's functioning during the last five years.

Complaints include cases of unlawful arrest, false charges, assault, torture, partiality, abuse of power, as well as police inaction. 

Sanctions, demilitarisation, and ICC referral - British MPs demand action on Sri Lanka

In a wide-ranging debate focused on Sri Lanka, British MPS from across the political aisle unified in their demand for the UK government to act on Sri Lanka in the form of Magnitsky-style sanctions; refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court; urge Sri Lanka to meet its GSP+ commitments; and, dramatically reduce its bloated military spending.

Tamils rally in Australia to demand permanent protection for refugees

All photographs courtesy of the Tamil Refugee Council

Tamils in Australia rallied through Sydney over the weekend to demand permanent protection for all refugees, including Eelam Tamils who have fled Sri Lanka. 

On November 6, Tamil activists and refugees demonstrated outside Sydney Town Hall as refugees continue to be denied permanent protection under the new Labor government. 

Maaveerar remembered at Kanagapuram Thuyilum Illam

Fallen Tamil fighters were commemorated at Kanagapuram Thuyilum Illam over the weekend before locals began preparing the area for Maaveerar Naal. 

The parents of fallen cadres, activists and political representatives including Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Sivagnanam Shritharan paid tribute to the Maaveerar by lighting a lamp and laying flowers before beginning the clearing process. 

More Eelam refugees flee to Tamil Nadu

Three Eelam Tamil families fled Sri Lanka and arrived in Dhanushkodi as refugees on November 5th, with more looking to flee to Tamil Nadu in the wake of the worsening economic crisis. 

The families, including a three month old baby, were taken to Rameswaram Marine Police Station for an investigation before being taken to Mandapam refugee camp. 

Refugee Tamil women open first Eelam restaurant in Tamil Nadu

As part of a project sponsored by the government of Tamil Nadu, a group of Eelam Tamil women from refugee camps in Kulaththuvaaipatti, Maappillaiyoorani and Thaappaaththi have teamed up to open the very first traditional Eelam Tamil restaurant in the industrial complex of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Say NO to Sri Lanka – British Tamil protest Sri Lanka at World Travel Market

 

British Tamil activists protested at Sri Lanka's stand at World Travel Market in ExCel exhibition centre London today, warning individuals against tourism in Sri Lanka.

Shaking hands with rights abusers - Britain’s PM meets with Sri Lanka’s president

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been photographed shaking hands with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27), despite growing alarm over human rights violations on the island.