<p>Officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are to visit Sri Lanka next month in view of talks to resume its program.&nbsp;</p> <p>“We agreed that a strong policy mix, with effective implementation of that agenda, is key to strengthening confidence, while putting Sri Lanka on a sustainable, high-quality growth path that would benefit its people," the IMF managing director, Christine Lagarde said in a statement following a meeting with Sri Lanka's finance minister, Mangala Samaraweera in Washington.&nbsp;</p>

Families of the disappeared in Vavuniya held a rally on Tuesday urging the United States and European Union to push the Sri Lankan government to provide answers over the whereabouts of their loved ones. 

Holding the US and EU flag, protesters urged action, highlighting that their demonstrations have been ongoing for 694 days. 

The Tamil festival of Thai Pongal was marked in parliament in Denmark on Monday with the minister of culture joining Danish Tamils to celebrate. 

Celebrations included dances and the making of traditional pongal (sweet rice). 

<p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/181206%20Shackled%20skeleton%20Mannar%20mass%20grave%20NA%203.jpg"></p> <p>The chief investigator at the Mannar mass grave confirmed that the number of bodies excavated has now reached 300, as the toll from the island’s largest mass grave site continues to grow.</p> <p>Judicial Medical Officer Dr S Rajapaksa confirmed the new figure as excavation work continues, with the area they are now investigating expanded. Work began at the grave site in May last year.</p>

A Sri Lankan brigadier who was caught on video threatening Tamil protestors in London faces court proceedings, after a private prosecution was brought against him.

Brigadier Priyanka Fernando was filmed motioning a death threat to Tamils in London last month, running his finger across his neck whilst dressed in full military uniform. He was attending a celebration at the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK to mark ‘Independence Day’ at the time, whilst British Tamils held a demonstration outside with placards and Tamil Eelam flags. Fernando is accused of violating the Public Order Act by using “threatening or abusive” behaviour.

Today marks 26 years since the death of Sathasivam Krishnakumar alias Colonel Kittu, and nine other LTTE cadres, who committed suicide after being surrounded by Indian navy warships in 1993.

<p>The Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a loan of US $300 million, which could be increased up to a total of US $1 billion, as Sri Lanka struggles to regain international confidence following last year's political crisis, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p> <p>The news wire cited a source as saying Colombo was considering the offer due to "difficulty in borrowing money after recent rating downgrades".&nbsp;</p> <p>Sri Lanka plunged into crisis last October after the president replaced the prime minister and dissolved parliament.&nbsp;</p>

The Tamil festival of Thai Pongal was celebrated around the world and across the Tamil homeland on Tuesday.

The secular festival gives thanks to the sun and for the harvest, and dates back in its current form to at least as far back as the Medieval Chola empire.

<p>Canada’s prime minister Justice Trudeau recognised the “many contributions Tamil Canadians have made to the success and prosperity of our country,” as he marked Thai Pongal this week.</p> <p>“This week, the Tamil community in Canada and around the world will celebrate Thai Pongal, the four-day harvest festival,”said a statement from the prime minister’s office.</p> <p>“As we mark the end of the harvest season and the start of the New Year, we also celebrate Tamil Heritage Month. During this special time, we recognize the many contributions Tamil Canadians have made to the success and prosperity of our country.”</p>

The newly appointed head of the Sri Lankan navy took up his post in recent weeks by paying visits to sacred Buddhist sites and giving offerings to monks, as well as meeting controversial military leaders, including an admiral wanted over involvement in the murder of 11 Tamil youths.