Sri Lanka Customs has detained two Tamil-language books authored by Kilinochchi-based writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan, sparking renewed criticism over censorship, freedom of expression and state scrutiny of Tamil political writing.

The books were part of a consignment of more than 360 copies of five titles printed in Tamil Nadu and shipped to Sri Lanka in March this year.

Customs officers seized the books on March 18, claiming the publications could threaten “national harmony” and national security.

A memorial and tribute event honouring late Tamil nationalist singer and cultural figure Theanisai Sellappa was held on Saturday in Batticaloa, commemorating a man whose songs became deeply associated with the Tamil liberation struggle and the political aspirations of the Tamil nation.

The event, organised by the Homeland Task Force, took place at the Batticaloa Hindu Youth Association hall following the death of the veteran singer, who passed away last month at the age of 85.

The Tamil National Council (TNC) has formally congratulated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister-elect Joseph Vijay following his electoral victory, expressing hope that his leadership would strengthen support for the political aspirations of Eelam Tamils.

In a letter dated 6 May 2026 and addressed to the president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the TNC described Vijay’s victory as a significant political moment for Tamils across the Palk Strait.

A Tamil mother who spent nearly seventeen years searching for her forcibly disappeared sons and son-in-law after they surrendered to the Sri Lankan military during the final stages of the armed conflict has died without receiving answers or justice.

Murugesupillai Sellamma, 74, from Muththaiyankattu in Mullaitivu district, passed away on 27 April 2026 after years of campaigning alongside families of the disappeared demanding truth, accountability and international justice.

Sri Lanka’s government has signalled a further strengthening of ties with Israel, as economic, labour and strategic cooperation between the two countries continues to expand.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath held talks with Israel’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, India and Bhutan, Reuven Azar, on April 29, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

Discussions reportedly focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including economic engagement, labour migration and tourism.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M. K. Stalin has broken his silence following a significant electoral setback in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, stating that his party will now move into opposition while maintaining its commitment to the people.

In a statement shared on X on May 4, Stalin said the party “bows to the people’s verdict” and extended congratulations to the winning side, while affirming that the DMK would function as a “strong opposition” after years in power.

A statement by Jaffna District Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan in Sri Lanka’s Parliament has drawn widespread attention after he suggested that Jaffna be handed over to Tamil Nadu, alongside the disputed island of Kachchatheevu.

Speaking in Parliament on May 5, Archchuna began by congratulating Indian actor turned politician Joseph Vijay on his recent electoral victory.

Sri Lanka’s Parliament witnessed a series of congratulatory messages on May 5, as Tamil representatives responded to the electoral victory of actor turned politician Joseph Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Tamil Nadu.

Leading Tamil parliamentarians described the outcome as a significant political moment, with several drawing links between the result and the aspirations of Eelam Tamils.

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan hailed the result as a major political shift.

He described it as a “historic victory” that would mark a great turning point in Tamil Nadu’s political history.

The skeletal remains of an infant were among four sets of human remains exhumed on the seventh day of the third phase of excavations at the Chemmani mass grave site, conducted on Monday, May 4.

Excavation activities continued under judicial supervision, with four skeletal remains identified during the day’s operations. Officials present at the site confirmed that the remains believed to be that of an infant were found in close proximity to an adult skeleton that had been unearthed earlier.

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu is undergoing a dramatic shift as results from the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections point to a breakthrough performance by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).