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Features

Latest news from and about the homeland

Today marks 52 years since the death of Ponnuthurai Sivakumaran, the first Tamil to die in the liberation struggle.  Sivakumaran was a member of the Tamil Manavar Peravai (or Tamil Student Federation, TSF) and a leading militant in the early armed Tamil struggle. With decades of Sri Lankan state repression and deadly anti-Tamil pogroms already having taken place, Tamil militant…

Puthukudiyirippu families in ongoing land protest

Families from Puthukudiyirippu, Mullaitivu, have been protesting since February 3rd, demanding the return of their lands.

Tamil protests reject Sri Lanka's 69th Independence Day

Sri Lanka marked its 69th Independence Day on Saturday with a military parade in the capital as well as military-run events across the North-East. Tamils across the homeland held protests, despite Sri Lankan police seeking court orders to prevent demonstrations, rejecting celebrations of the day.

Thai Pongal celebrated around the world

The annual harvest and thanksgiving festival of Thai Pongal was celebrated by Tamils around the world today.

Still searching for justice – 11th anniversary of Trinco 5 killings

On this day 11 years ago, five Tamil students were summarily executed by Sri Lanka's Special Task Force, whilst they spent an afternoon on the beach in Trincomalee.

2016 in pictures

As 2016 proved to be an eventful year world over, Tamil Guardian looks back at some significant moments in pictures

Remembering the waves - 12 years on from the tsunami

On December 26th, 2004, over 35,000 people perished during the catastrophic tsunami that hit the coasts of the North-East and South of the island of Sri Lanka.
 

Remembering Bala Anna 10 years on

Today marks 10 years since the passing of Anton Balasingham, the chief negotiator and political strategist of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Jayaram Jayalalithaa passes away

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa has passed away on Monday evening, according to officially confirmed reports from both her AIADMK party and the hospital in Chennai where she has been receiving medical treatment.

Following a prolonged hospital admission, Ms Jayalalithaa eventually succumbed to complications after suffering a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. The influential and popular figure in Tamil Nadu politics was 68 years old.

Thousands of supporters have gathered outside the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, whilst Tamil Nadu police have deployed extra security personnel across the state due to fears of unrest.

"A symbol of endless hope" - young Tamil artists pay tribute to Maaveerar

In the run up to Maaveerar Naal, young Tamil artists took to Instagram to commemorate the thousands who gave their lives fighting in the Tamil struggle.

Tamils mark Maaveerar Naal 2016 worldwide

Thousands gather at previously destroyed thuyilum illam (LTTE resting homes) across the North-East.