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…

Hundreds of STF troops and police deployed in Thunnalai crackdown

Over 200 Special Task Force troops and police officers have been deployed to the Vadamaradchi town of Thunnalai, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of several vehicles.

Last month a Tamil man from Thunnalai was shot and killed by Sri Lankan police, resulting in protests and tensions boiling over between locals and police across the Vadamaradchi region.

Weapons allegedly used by LTTE found in Mannar

Seven unexploded mortar shells and a range of other weapons allegedly used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have been discovered at an abandoned outpost in Mannar, reports Adaderana.lk.

Officials of Adampan Police said the weapons were recovered using intelligence from Sri Lanka’s Air Force.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister denies being asked to resign by President

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake has denied allegations that he was asked to resign by President Maithripala Sirisena in relation to corruption allegations.

“The reports and rumours that I have been asked to resign from my post is utter nonsense,” Mr Karunanayake told reporters.

Reports emerged that President Sirisena had told the minister that the best possible solution to protect himself and the government was for Mr Karunanayake to resign from his ministerial portfolio.

Tearful prayers on Day 150 of Mullaitivu mothers of the disappeared protest

Mothers of the disappeared protesting in Mullaitivu marked 150 days since they began their campaign on Friday.

Sri Lankan soldiers hold basketball lessons for youth in Kilinochchi

Troops from Sri Lanka’s security forces held a ‘basketball coaching academy’ for youth in Kilinochchi last month, as the military continues to involve itself in civilian activities in the North-East.

Sri Lankan policemen arrested over gold robbery in Mannar

Two Sri Lankan policemen have been arrested for the theft of gold worth over 10 million rupees in Mannar.

The Island reports the two policemen had reportedly robbed 16 gold biscuits from a businessman in Pesalai last month.

The policemen were arrested along with four other fishermen from the area, who had reportedly assisted in the crime by alerting them of the businessman’s movements.

The suspects are due to be produced before the Mannar Magistrate.

Election monitors threaten legal action over polls postponement

Sri Lanka's election monitors threatened legal action of the government's decision to postpone elections in Provincial Councils. 

Elections were due to be held in the Eastern, North-Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces in October this year, however, the government announced last month that it would be postponing them until it was able to hold all provincial council elections on one day. 

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court says Inland Revenue bill inconsistent with constitution

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court ruled this week that the Inland Revenue bill the government was hoping to table this month is 'inconsistent' with the constitution, the Daily Mirror reported. 

Passing the bill would require amendments or a referendum to be passed in parliament, the Speaker of the House Karu Jayasuriya told parliament today. 

‘Sri Lanka has failed to deliver justice’ - ACF

The Sri Lankan government has failed to deliver justice for the murder of 17 aid workers said French NGO Action Contre la Faim (ACF), marking 11 years since their murder in Muttur.

Sri Lankan president calls investigation into Foreign Affairs ministry statement

Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena called for an investigation into a statement released by the country's foreign affiars ministry which condemning the firing of an intercontinental missile by North Korea, saying it had not be sanctioned prior to release. 

The Co-Cabinet spokesperson Dayasiri Jayasekara said that Mr Sirisena nor the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe knew about the statement, the Daily Mirror reported.