Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Environmentalists and civil society activists protested at Galle Face in Colombo on 17 June against proposed heavy mineral sand mining along the eastern coastline from Oluvil to Pothuvil, warning that the project threatens the land, fisheries and livelihoods of Tamil and Muslim communities across the Eastern Province. According to the People's Alliance for Right to Land (PARL), exploration…

Harrow Tamils protest demanding mayor's resignation

Tamil residents in Harrow protested outside the council building today demanding the resignation of the borough's Mayor, who publicised photographs of herself with a Sri Lankan brigadier who made death threats towards Tamils. 

Mannar families of disappeared protest against UN resolution extension

Families of the disappeared protested in Mannar today to express their anger towards reports the UN Human Rights Council resolution co-sponsored by Sri Lanka would be granted a time extension by another two years. 

Sri Lanka’s statement on Pulwama attack and Indian airstrikes

<p>The Sri Lankan Ministry of Affairs expressed deep concern and called for dialogue between India and Pakistan in a statement released on the Pulwama attack and aftermath.</p> <p>The statement whilst titled a response to India's airstrikes makes no reference of them. The Ministry reinforces states&nbsp;Sri Lanka is&nbsp;committed to “peace and stability in the South Asia region.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pulwama attack was a suicide bombing conducted by the Pakistan based militant organisation known as Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The attack killed 40 Indian security personnel in the Indian controlled region of Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

Sri Lanka opens new consulate office in Cyprus

<p>Sri Lanka opened a new consulate office in Nicosia, Cyprus today. &nbsp;</p> <p>The event was attended by Cyprus' foreign minister, Nikos Cristodoulides and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Tilak Marapana.&nbsp;</p> <p>“After the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1963, our relations are growing steadily," Christodoulides said.&nbsp;</p> <p>"We share many similar ideas and principles which guide our close cooperation in many international organisations and associations, such as the UN and the Commonwealth," he added.&nbsp;</p>

Families of disappeared in Amparai protest against UN extension

Tamil families of the disappeared protested in Amparai on Sunday calling on the UN to ensure justice and deny Sri Lankan an extension on its resolution commitments.

Sri Lankan police obstruct displaced families signature campaign

Sri Lankan police officers and intelligence personnel threatened displaced families who launched a signature campaign this week in Keppapulavu, Mullaitivu. 

Trinco fishermen demand release of land

Fishermen in Trincomalee on Monday protested demanding the release of land in Kuchchveli from private companies. 

Keppapulavu protesters urge action to Swiss officials

Meeting with Swiss officials last week, displaced families from Keppapulavu who have been protesting for 730 days for their lands urged them to take action. 

UK urges Sri Lanka to 'implement in full' UNHRC resolution

The United Kingdom on Monday urged Sri Lanka to "implement in full" the co-sponsored resolution 30/1 of the UN Human Rights Council, which calls for a hybrid mechanism of justice to examining crimes committed at the end of the armed conflict. 

Tamil Nadu chief minister urges Modi to secure fishermen release

The chief minister of Tamil Nadu this week wrote to the Indian premier, Narendra Modi, urging him to secure the release of 46 fishermen currently detained in Sri Lanka by the navy.