More preparations were being made at Iranapalai and Visuvamadu Thuyilum Illams earlier today as Maaveerar Naal - or Great Heroes Day - draws closer. 

Tamil students at four universities in Denmark commemorated Maaveerar Naal this week and paid respect to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for an independent Tamil Eelam.

During the event, attendees lit lamps and raised the Tamil Eelam flag in remembrance of all who sacrificed their lives. Attendees also performed theatrical dances, poetry, songs and speeches. 
 

Across the Thames, British Tamils have organised for a boat to carry a memorial message to mark the 33rd Maaveerar Naal, a day dedicated to remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the Tamil liberational struggle.

Speaking before Sri Lankan parliament, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP, M.A Sumanthiran, explained that whilst the party held firm disagreements with the government's budget proposals, they abstained from voting at the second reading of the budget as a gesture of goodwill as the President assured Tamil political parties that would resolve the Tamil National question.

Two uniformed soldiers questioned Tamil journalist Kanapathipillai Kumanan at Mullaitivu Press Club today as Maaveerar Naal draws closer.

The soldiers belonging to the 591 Brigade asked Kumanan for the name and contact details of the president of the organisation, claiming that a new commanding officer was seeking the information of all commerical establishments in Mullaitivu. 

"There are plans to organize another ‘Aragalaya’ to chase the Govt, but I won't give an opportunity for that. I will get the military & the forces and I will put a State of Emergency. I will also not dissolve the Parliament until economic crisis is resolved."- President @RW_UNP pic.twitter.com/tbL0d0piSU

At the University of Copenhagen, Tamil students have gathered to mark Maaveeerar Naal, a day dedicated to remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the Tamil liberational struggle.

The Sri Lankan army have intensified their presence in Jaffna as Maaveerar Naal approaches.

The military have been patrolling the roads, particularly the areas around Koppay Thuyilum Illam. Earlier this month, plainclothed military officers attempted to intimidate Tamils who were clearing the Thuyilum Illam by taking their photographs. 

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry has touted a ‘productive virtual dialogue’ with the European Union, reporting that the EU reaffirmed its commitment to the island and that they discussed the GSP+ arrangement, which sees favourable trading concessions to Sri Lanka.

The virtual meeting was held last Thursday and was the first dialogue to take place between the two Parliament since the last in-person meeting in November 2017 in Colombo.

Responding to a visit from Sri Lanka's president, Tamil Families of the Disappeared in Vavuniya staged a protest outside the Vavuniya District Secretariat office.

The protest comes as Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe was set to inaugurate the Northern Province Coordination Sub-Office.