Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

The LGBTQIA+ community in Jaffna held their fifth annual Pride Walk, under the theme  “We Exist For Each Other".  The walk, organised by the Jaffna Transgender Network, began outside the iconic Jaffna Public Library and proceeded along Hospital Road and Pannai Road before ending at Jaffna Fort.  Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, human rights activists, civil society…

Suspected remains of female LTTE fighters found as excavations resume at mass grave

After months of delay by the Sri Lankan government, excavation work has recommenced at the Kokkuthoduvai mass human burial site, with three human remains thought to be of female LTTE fighters having been discovered this week.

Four other skeletal remains were also found however researchers have decided not to excavate them as of yet. So far from both phases of the work, a total of 40 human remains were found.

US blocks British court access into Diego Garcia for Eelam Tamil migrants' hearing

The US has blocked Supreme Court of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) access into British territory of Diego Garcia and prevented Eelam Tamil migrants' court hearing, citing security concerns.

Sri Lankan army brings back checkpoint in Mannar

Tamil residents in Mannar have voiced their concern as a Sri Lankan army checkpoint, previously removed several years ago, has been reinstated at the Mannar Main Bridge.

The checkpoint’s return comes after a period of unrestricted access through the Mannar bridge. Sri Lankan authorities claim that it returned after a shootout in the Athurugiriya area of Colombo, which resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.

Tamil Economic Future Summit unites global Tamils

A three-day “Tamil Economic Future Summit'' was held in Davos, Switzerland last month with Tamils from around the world attending to discuss advancing the interests and causes of the global Tamil community.

Tamil politics in Sri Lanka after R Sampanthan, the elder statesman that never was

“I will make my people ungovernable!” Rajavarothiam Sampanthan exclaimed, banging on the table.

Sri Lankan court case against Tamil journalist continues

The legal battle involving Mullaitivu Media Association President and Mullaitivu District Journalist Shanmugam Tavaseelan has continued in Sri Lankan courts, with the naval officer who accused Thavaseelan of assault finally appearing in court.

Eelam Tamil mother and children flee to India

In a desperate bid for safety, an Eelam Tamil mother and her two young children, sought refuge in Dhanushkodi, India this week, fleeing from Thalaimannar. 

Yoga Valli, aged 34, along with her children Anuja (8 years old) and Mishal (5 years old), made the journey to India by boat paying Rs.275,000. They were apprehended by Indian authorities when they reached Dhanushkodi. 

Former LTTE cadre and artist 'Prem' dies in mysterious car accident

Gopalakrishnan Gokul Prem Kumar, a former cadre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and talented artist, died last week under mysterious circumstances. 

It is being reported that he died in a car accident just a few steps away from his home. The incident occurred late on Friday night in the Adampan area of Mannar-Mantai West Divisional Secretary Division.

Over 50 Tamil Diaspora organizations endorse US congress resolution

More than 50 prominent Tamil diaspora organizations from 15 countries have thrown their weight behind US House Resolution 1230, which calls for an independence referendum to provide Eelam Tamils with a political solution to the ethnic issue in Sri Lanka. The resolution, introduced in Congress on May 15, 2024, has garnered widespread support and is now gaining momentum.

Sri Lankan politician sentenced to three years imprisonment for abduction case

Former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra, a vocal member of Sri Lanka’s Opposition Party Samagi Jana Balawegaya, has been sentenced to three years of imprisonment for her involvement in the abduction and assault of a youth.

The sentencing was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja on Friday 28th June. Premachandra was found guilty of 18 charges, and the court ordered a fine of Rs. 20,000 for each charge.