Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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A Guinness World Record set by nearly 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers at Galle Face in Colombo has sparked controversy, after activists questioned why the official recognition was awarded to organisers and an overseas instructor rather than the thousands of performers who paid to take part. The SANGAMAM-2026 event, held on 14 June, saw 4,988 dancers successfully set a new Guinness World Record for…

A highly political choice to silence the memories of thousands' - British MP Virendra Sharma

British MP for Ealing Southall, Virendra Sharma, has condemned the destruction of the Mullivaikal memorial in Jaffna university, describing it as "a high political choice to silence the memories of thousands".

On Twitter he stated:

Tamil Canadian youth and student organisations condemn destruction of Mullivaikkal memorial monument

 

The Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO), Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) and a collective of Tamil Canadian student organisations across the country have released statements condemning the destruction of the Mullivaikkal memorial monument at the University of Jaffna, in an act of solidarity with the Jaffna University Students' Union.

An attempt to erase history' - Leader of Ontario Liberal Party, Steven Del Duca condemns destruction of Mullivaikkal memorial

Responding to protests in Jaffna, Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party has condemned the destruction of the Mullaivaikkal monument as an "attempt to erase history".

12th anniversary of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge commemorated in Batticaloa

The 12th anniversary of the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge was commemorated on Friday at the Batticaloa Media Centre under the chairmanship of V. Krishnakumar, Chairman of the Batticaloa District Media Organization.

Protests across North-East call for release of Tamil political prisoners

A series of protests were carried across the North-East in several districts, last week on Tuesday (5th January) demanding the release of Tamil political prisoners and for the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to issue amnesty to them. 

UK MP calls on Britain to play leading role at UNHRC following destruction of Mullivaikkal monument

 

Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, called on Britain to play a leading role in the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session during a Global Britain Debate in UK Parliament today. 

McDonagh drew attention to the demolition of the Mullivaikkal memorial at Jaffna University, describing it as "an act that completely undermines the process of truth, justice and accountability." 

Jaffna University students launch international appeal for solidarity against genocide

Jaffna University students have made an urgent call to universities and students around the world, stating that the “structural genocide of Tamils continues even after almost 12 years since the end of the war”.

Detailing the military harrassment faced, the abductions and even murders of Tamil students at the university, the Students’ Union said , “we afraid for our lives and we cordially request your help to prevent this situation”.

‘My heart breaks for the Tamil people’ – Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, and Leader of the Ontario PC party has issued a statement in solidarity with Tamil protesters in Jaffna following the destruction of the Mullivaikkal Memorial monument in Jaffna.

On Twitter he stated:

Scepticism over promises to rebuild Mullivaikkal monument

Jaffna University students and staff and the wider Tamil community have expressed scepticism over promises to rebuild the destroyed Mullivaikkal monument on campus. The monument was destroyed under cover of night on Friday sparking a wave of backlash and protest. A group of Jaffna University students undertook a hunger strike, demanding the monument be rebuilt. A hartal was called across the North-East, and businesses remained shut on Monday. Muslim leaders also lent their support, with Muslim businesses participating in the hartal in solidarity. Meanwhile outside the island, elected officials from Canada to Tamil Nadu expressed their outrage, and Tamils in Toronto, Berlin and Chennai held rallies, while social media campaigns from the Tamil community around the world went viral.

Remembering Major Sothiya

Today marks 31 years since the passing of Major Sothiya, the commander of the LTTE's first female unit. 

Maria Vasanthi Michael, known by her nomme de guerre ‘Sothiya’, was born on 20 September 1963. She first joined the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1984.

A formidable fighter, Sothiya took part in many battles, as female cadres began to take part in combat operations from 1986 onwards.