Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Displaced residents of the Valikamam North region of Jaffna held protests on Monday, in front of the Jaffna District Secretariat and near Palaly Junction, marking 36 years since their forced displacement and demanding the right to return and resettle in their lands. The people of Valikamam North were displaced from their homeland on 15 June 1990 by the Sri Lankan military. Thirty-six years on…

Cleaning continues at Thuyilum Illams in Mullaitivu

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

Danish Tamil students commemorate Maaveerar Naal

 

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. 
 

British Tamil activists commemorate Maaveerar Naal

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.

We didn't vote against the budget as the President said he wanted to resolve the Tamil national question - M.A. Sumanthiran

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.

Sri Lankan soldiers question Tamil journalist at press office

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. 

I won't give space' for another Aragalaya - Sri Lanka's president threatens another state of emergency

 

Students commemorate Maaveerar Naal in Copenhagen

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.

Sri Lankan army ramp up surveillance ahead of Maaveerar Naal

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. 

EU reaffirms support as Sri Lanka moves towards ‘truth and reconciliation commission’

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.

Families of the Disappeared protest Sri Lankan president's visit to Vavuniya

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.