Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Mannar Urban Council Chairman Daniel Vasanthan has strongly condemned the arrest of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), stating that the detention reflects a situation where "Tamils do not even have the freedom to sing". Speaking at a media briefing held at the Mannar Urban Council on Friday, Vasanthan criticised the decision to arrest the…

Muslim principals file complaint at HRCSL over cancellation of exam due to their headscarf

13 Muslim candidates who sat for the Education Administration Service (principals’ service) whose exam results were withheld due to their wearing of hijabs during the examination have sought redress by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka over the discriminatory treatment. 

Remembering Black July 41 years on

Today marks 41 years since the horrors of the anti-Tamil pogrom of 1983, when thousands of Tamils were killed by Sinhala mobs backed by the then UNP government and state forces.

Tamils continue to demand removal of illegally constructed Buddhist temple in Thaiyiddy

 

Tamils protested the illegal construction of a Buddhist temple on occupied land in Thaiyiddy, Jaffna over the weekend. 

A group of Tamils gathered outside Tissa Raja Vihara, to demand the immediate removal of the temple. 12 acres of land surrounding the temple are owned by 14 farming families but are currently also occupied. The group have been protesting at the site every Poya (full moon) day since it was illegally constructed in April 2023. 

Who is Kamala Harris? A look at her Tamil roots

As US President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the upcoming presidential race earlier today, he announced his support for current Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for the US 2024 presidential election. If nominated, she would be the first Black and Tamil woman from a major political party to be a candidate for US presidential elections.

Eelam Tamils protest Sri Lankan land grabs in Mannar

Eelam Tamil residents of Parangikamam,  Iluppai Kadavai, and Antoniyar Puram, villages in Manthai West, Mannar, held a protest march towards the Land Reforms Commission demanding that the commission take measures to prevent land grab by foreigners, illegal Sinhala settlers, and the Sri Lankan security forces. 

Rajapaksa-ally set to lead Sri Lankan cricket tour of England

The former cricketer and ex-parliamentarian with the Rajapaksa clan, Sanath Jayasuriya, has been appointed as the interim coach of Sri Lanka's national team, as they prepare to tour England later this year.

15 years of Official Peace but still no justice

An event was held in Berlin last month to mark the launch of the latest UN report in Sri Lanka, highlighting the lack of justice and accountability for mass atrocities committed more than 15 years ago.

The event, which was titled ’15 years of Official Peace’, was held in Berlin at the Senate Hall of Humboldt University and was co-hosted by Medico International, ECCHR, and Sri Lanka Advocacy.

Hindu extremist groups step up activities in Tamil Eelam

Hindu nationalist organisations have increased their presence and activities in Tamil Eelam over recent months, including by supporting the release of a racist Sinhala Buddhist monk.

Sri Lanka’s cabinet approves controversial reconciliation Bill

Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved the controversial Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation (CTUR) bill by incorporating certain amendments to it.