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…

Obituary - Rajavarothiam Sampanthan

Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, a veteran figure of Tamil politics has passed away aged 91. He died whilst still in office, holding the post as the Member of Parliament for Trincomalee and a record as the oldest lawmaker on the island

Stalin calls for activation of diplomatic channels over fishing row

Politicians are intensifying pressure on the central government in response to the recent arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. The maritime boundary dispute between Sri Lanka and India has escalated, with Indian fishermen resuming fishing activities within Sri Lanka’s waters after the annual fish breeding period.

Indian HC eyes abandoned Oddusuddan brick and tile factory

The Indian High Commission Head of Chancery, and Commercial Representative Shri V Ram Mahesh made a visit to the long-abandoned Oddusuddan Brick and Tile Factory signifying an interest in the Indian government's attempt to revive the debilitated factory.

Consecutive governments, private companies, and even the military which claim a significant part of real estate in the homeland that houses military camps have attempted to revive the factory, with little fruition. 

Wickremesinghe lauds war criminal Fonseka for ‘instrumental leadership’

Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe who attended former commander Sarath Fonseka’s book launch, lauded the accused war criminal for his “instrumental leadership” and defended his military recorded, which includes overseeing a genocide that killed tens of thousands of Tamil civilians.

Suspected remains of female LTTE fighters found as excavations resume at mass grave

After months of delay by the Sri Lankan government, excavation work has recommenced at the Kokkuthoduvai mass human burial site, with three human remains thought to be of female LTTE fighters having been discovered this week.

Four other skeletal remains were also found however researchers have decided not to excavate them as of yet. So far from both phases of the work, a total of 40 human remains were found.

US blocks British court access into Diego Garcia for Eelam Tamil migrants' hearing

The US has blocked Supreme Court of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) access into British territory of Diego Garcia and prevented Eelam Tamil migrants' court hearing, citing security concerns.

Sri Lankan army brings back checkpoint in Mannar

Tamil residents in Mannar have voiced their concern as a Sri Lankan army checkpoint, previously removed several years ago, has been reinstated at the Mannar Main Bridge.

The checkpoint’s return comes after a period of unrestricted access through the Mannar bridge. Sri Lankan authorities claim that it returned after a shootout in the Athurugiriya area of Colombo, which resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.

Tamil Economic Future Summit unites global Tamils

A three-day “Tamil Economic Future Summit'' was held in Davos, Switzerland last month with Tamils from around the world attending to discuss advancing the interests and causes of the global Tamil community.

Tamil politics in Sri Lanka after R Sampanthan, the elder statesman that never was

“I will make my people ungovernable!” Rajavarothiam Sampanthan exclaimed, banging on the table.

Sri Lankan court case against Tamil journalist continues

The legal battle involving Mullaitivu Media Association President and Mullaitivu District Journalist Shanmugam Tavaseelan has continued in Sri Lankan courts, with the naval officer who accused Thavaseelan of assault finally appearing in court.