Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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The number of skeletal remains identified at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna has risen to 366, as excavators uncovered further remains of children on Tuesday, at one of the largest mass graves unearthed on the island and a site long tied to the enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing of Tamils by the Sri Lankan military. Six sets of skeletal remains, including those of children,…

Blood drive to honour Thileepan at Jaffna Hindu College

Old students of Jaffna Hindu College organised a blood donation drive to commemorate 30 years since Thileepan’s fast unto death.

People of Pattalipuram in Muthur demand return of land from Sri Lankan Army

125 families from the Muthur East are of Trincomalee are demanding the return of their lands from military occupation.

Extremist Buddhist monk says he worked closely with Sri Lankan military intelligence

Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara the Secretary General of the Sinhala Buddhist nationalist organisation Bodu Bala Sena has said that he worked closely with the Sri Lankan military intelligence in the past.

US navy teaches Sri Lankan troops in Trinco

Members of the United States navy conducted a workshop for Sri Lankan troops in Trincomalee this month, teaching them on Underwater Unexploded Explosive Ordinance (UXO) Recovery.

International Cricket Council launches anti-corruption investigation into Sri Lanka

Cricket’s global governing body announced that it has launched an anti-corruption investigation into Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said that its officers had recently visited Sri Lanka, stating that it “works to uphold integrity in cricket and this includes conducting investigations where there are reasonable grounds to do so.”

“There is currently an ICC (ACU) investigation underway in Sri Lanka. Naturally as part of this we are talking to a number of people,” it confirmed.

“We will not comment any further on an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information that would assist the ACU in its enquiries, we would urge them to get in touch.”

Sri Lanka will not allow in Rohingya refugees confirms prime minister

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said his government would not allow Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence into the island, as Sinhala Buddhists continued to rally in support of Myanmar’s military offensive in the Rakhine state.

The Island reported Mr Wickremesinghe as stating Rohingya refugees “could easily seek refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh or Thailand”.

He reportedly told a Sri Lankan parliamentary group that his government “would not permit” any asylum seekers.

Sri Lankan Air Force holds military exhibition in Vavuniya

The Sri Lankan Air Force held a military exhibition in Vavuniya earlier this month, showcasing aircraft and weapons used during the island’s armed conflict.

Sri Lanka in talks with Chinese companies over new Hambantota refinery

The Sri Lankan government is in talks with two Chinese companies over the building of a new refinery at the Chinese controlled Hambantota port. 

The refinery is said to cost $3 billion. 

"The investment is large and we are discussing with the two companies on that basis," Mangala Yapa, director at Sri Lanka's Board of Investment told Reuters. 

"The refinery needs around 500 acres (200ha) of land and we can't reserve the land. Many people try to get the land first and then look for investors."

Sri Lankan soldier arrested over alleged sexual abuse of girl in Wanathawilluwa

A Sri Lankan soldier has been arrested over allegations he sexually abused a 15 year old girl in Wanathawilluwa. 

The 40 year old soldier was attached to the Mihintale military garrison and was arrested by police officers fro the Wanathawilluwa police station.  

The alleged abuse is said to have taken place on Septemeber 18 when the soldier returned to Wanathawilluwa on holiday, Adaderana reported. 
 

Bathiudeen complains to CID over reports he is resettling Rohingya refugees

Sri Lanka's minister of industry and commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Division over social media posts that allege he is resettling Rohingya Muslims into the country. 

Mr Bathiudeen, the former Sri Lankan Muslim Congress member, vehemently denied the reports and asserted he "has never spoken about the Rohingya refugees". 

He said the social media posts were being published by "an organised group" intending to create false reports about him, the Colombo Page reported.