North-East protests continue with call for merger and power sharing

A rolling 100-day campaign demanding an irrevocable, collective form of power-sharing for the merged Northern and Eastern provinces continued this week, with residents of Puliyankulam in Mullaitivu staging the eleventh consecutive day of protests.
Vavuniya human chain joins Mannar protest against destructive wind and mining projects
A human chain protest in Vavuniya extended solidarity to the ongoing protest in Mannar, which is demanding an immediate halt to the controversial wind power project and opposing proposed ilmenite mining on the island.
UN report condemns Sri Lanka’s ‘entrenched’ impunity
A new report from the United Nations Human Rights Office has called on the Sri Lankan government to address the “human rights violations and international crimes” as well as the “root causes” of the island’s ethnic conflict – but stopped short of endorsing a fully internationalised accountability mechanism.
Green light for Sinhala fishermen to enter Tamil fishing zones sparks outrage in Mullaitivu
Tamil fishermen in Mullaitivu have condemned what they describe as a covert move by Sri Lanka’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to allow Sinhala fishermen from Weli Oya to operate along the Pulipaainthakal coast, which they say risks fuelling ethnic tensions.
Trincomalee farmers demand return of seized lands as solar project fences off fields
Farmers in Muthu Nagar, Trincomalee, have called for the immediate release of agricultural lands seized for a solar power project, accusing the Sri Lankan state of destroying livelihoods in the name of development.
‘Protect the Black Soil’ – Jaffna protest warns against ilmenite mining in Mannar
Protesters in Jaffna’s Pannai area rallied yesterday against what they describe as the exploitative plunder of Mannar’s ilmenite-rich mineral sands by multinational corporations.
CPJ calls on Sri Lanka's authorities to 'immediately stop' harassment of Tamil journalist
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have called on Sri Lanka's authorities to "immediately stop" the harassment of Tamil journalist Kanapathipillai Kumanan who has been summoned by the Counter Terrorism and Investigation Department (CTID) to appear for an “inquiry” later this week.
‘Kingdom’ controversy escalates as protests, legal battle and apology rocks Tamil Nadu
The controversy over the Telugu film Kingdom intensified this week, as the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights holder moved the Madras High Court seeking protection for screenings, while political leaders demanded a complete ban over what they allege is a derogatory portrayal of the Eelam Tamils.
Thiraikerny marks 35 years since 1990 massacre with calls to exhume mass grave
Thiraikerny marks 35th anniversary of 1990 massacre with calls for justice and mass grave excavation
Tamil MPs slam ‘intimidation’ of veteran journalist summoned by CTID

Tamil lawmakers have denounced Sri Lanka’s Counter Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID) summoning of respected Tamil journalist and human rights defender Kanapathipillai Kumanan for questioning, labelling it a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence independent reporting.

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