Tamil Affairs

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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…

Uproar in Jaffna over transfer of Chavakachcheri Hospital director after allegations of corruption

Tamils in Jaffna have protested against the transfer the newly appointed Medical Superintendent of Chavakachcheri Base Hospital, after he claimed that there was corruption occurring at the medical facility.

Memorial honours more than 140 Tamils killed in Navaly Church massacre

A memorial was held to honour the memory of the more than 140 Tamils who were killed in the Navaly Church Massacre on July 9, 1995, at St Peter’s Church in Navaly.

Several Tamils gathered to pay floral tributes and light candles at the same church this week. 

 

‘He always said that this country cannot be divided’ - Sri Lanka’s president commemorates Sampanthan

Attending the funeral of the late Tamil National Alliance leader, R. Sampanthan, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe commemorated his passing stressing that Sampanthan had “always said that this country cannot be divided” and instead advocated for either a federal system or greater devolution.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tamil self-determination and justice for genocide

As Britain’s new prime minister Keir Starmer takes up office this week, we look back on his previous statements on the British Tamil community, his calls for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court and on justice for mass atrocities committed against the Tamil people.

Earlier this year, Starmer released a message to commemorate  the “15th year Mullivaikkal Genocide Remembrance Day,” paying tribute to the tens of thousands of Tamils killed in 2009.

‘Bombs rolling in the air’ - Remembering the Navaly church massacre

On this day 29 years ago, the Sri Lankan air force dropped 13 bombs on St Peter’s Church in Navaly. More than 140 sheltering Tamils, who were encouraged by the military to seek refuge at the church, were killed on the spot.  At least 13 children were amongst the dead, with many more succumbing to injuries later as the local hospital was swamped with the wounded.

 

Final farewell for veteran Tamil politician R Sampanthan

This weekend saw the funeral of former leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Rajavarodayam Sampanthan in Trincomalee.

The funeral was attended by several senior political figures including former leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), Mavai Senathirajah, M.A. Sumanthiran, Ranil Wickremesinghe and controversially members of the Rajapaksa clan.

Jaffna University students commemorate Black Tigers Day

Students at the University of Jaffna held a remembrance event in secret to mark Black Tigers Day last Friday. 

On July 5, Eelam Tamils across the world remember and mourn the sacrifices made by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) elite women and men, the Black Tigers. “Karumpuli Naal” marks the sacrifice made by the first Black Tiger, Captain Miller, or Vallipuram Vasanthan.

Dhee: Finding Home Through Music

"You're the cuckoo cuckoo Acca!" is a phrase Dhee loves to hear. In the world of music, few artists navigate the complex layers of identity and belonging as gracefully. The Australian Tamil singer has been making waves in Kollywood and beyond with her evocative melodies and heart-rending performances. Speaking to Tamil Guardian, Dhee opens up about her upcoming solo album, her musical journey, and the profound connection to her Eelam roots.

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Remembering the Black Tigers

21 Black Tiger elite commandos who took part in the raid on a Sri Lankan airbase in Anuradhapura, 2007

On July 5, Eelam Tamils across the world remember and mourn the sacrifices made by the LTTE's elite women and men, the Black Tigers. “Karumpuli Naal” marks the sacrifice made by the first Black Tiger, Captain Miller, or Vallipuram Vasanthan, 38 years ago.