Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

A newly published study has identified the earliest scientifically confirmed evidence of prehistoric human settlement on Velanai Island in the Jaffna Peninsula, dating back around 3,460 years and overturning an erroneous long-held Sri Lankan assumption that the region was largely uninhabited until much later. The study, published in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology and led by…

Swiss Tamils commemorate Maaveerar Naal

Thousands of Swiss Tamils gathered in Zurich on Tuesday to mark Maaveerar Naal, alongside the Tamil nation in the homeland and across this diaspora.

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and home to thousands of Tamils, saw a large commemoration event, with people paying their respects before hundreds of portraits of fallen cadres.

Canadian Tamils gather in their thousands on Maaveerar Naal

Thousands of Canadian Tamils came together near Toronto to commemorate Maaveerar Naal. Proceedings commenced at 6:00, with further events at 13:00 and 18:00. Tamils shops in Toronto were closed out of respect for the remembrance day. Tamils travelled to the location from all across the Greater Toronto Area, with long queues forming at the venue in Markham as snow fell.

Maaveerar Naal commemorated across Kilinochchi

Tamils across Kilinochchi commemorated Maaveerar Naal, with services taking place at Visuvamadu and Mulankavil thuyilum illams, as well as at Kanagapuram.

TNA MP Shritharan attended the event at Visuvamadu, while the former NPC council member Ananthy Sasitharan was present at Mulankavil.

Tamils in Australia and New Zealand commemorate Maaveerar Naal

Tamils across Australia and in New Zealand marked Maaveerar Naal yesterday, as part of commemorations worldwide to remember those who died fighting for the Tamil struggle.

In Australia events were held in Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Queensland and Sydney.

Maaveerar Naal held at all Thuyilum Illams in Mullaitivu

Maaveerar Naal was commemorated at all four Thuyilum Illams in Mullaitivu: Alampil, Aalankulam, Mulliyavalai and Vannivilankulam.

Sri Lanka’s top military officer held over disappearances of Tamils as journalists attacked outside court

<p>Sri Lanka’s highest ranking military officer Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne has been remanded in custody over his involvement in the cover up of the disappearance and murder of 11 Tamil youths, in a dramatic day in court.</p> <p>Admiral Wijegunaratne stands accused of helping the main suspect accused of conducting the disappearances evade arrest. Dressed in full military regalia and flanked by supporters at the court, he denied all charges and will be on remand until December 5th. His application for bail was rejected.</p>

Home of Maaveerar Naal organiser attacked after police disrupt commemorations in Point Pedro

The home of a Maaveerar Naal organiser in Point Pedro was attacked overnight, with fittings vandalised. 

The attack, which locals believe was orchestrated by vandals associated with the Sri Lankan police, followed police attempts to disrupt Maaveerar Naal commemorations in Munai, Point Pedro yesterday, where locals had gathered to remember those who died fighting for the LTTE.

The 18-year old organiser was briefly held by police during the commemorations yesterday, before being released. 

Thousands attend Maaveerar Naal commemorations at Kanagapuram Thuyilum Illam

Thousands of Tamils attended Maaveerar Naal commemorations at the Kanagapuram Thuyilum Illam earlier today, as part of remembrance events held across the North-East.

Maaveerar Naal commemorated in Amparai's Kanchikudiyaaru Thuyilum Illam

Maaveerar Naal commemorations took place in Amparai's Kanchikudiyaaru Thuyilum Illam, which locals had cleared in advance and recovered a small number of headstones that had been destroyed by the Sri Lankan military previously. 

Hundreds gather at Aalankulam Thuyilum Illam in Trincomalee

Hundreds of Tamils in Trincomalee marked Maaveerar Naal at the thuyilum illam in Aalankulam, Sampur.

The cemetery had been decorated in the colours of Tamil Eelam as well as featuring the traditional welcome arch at the entrance.