Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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  The lawyer representing detained Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar challenged allegations that his client sought to revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during proceedings before the Jaffna Magistrate's Court this week, arguing that the material cited by police contains no reference to the organisation or its leadership. Sangeethsan, better known by his stage name…

Who is Captain Miller?

Captain Miller, the latest Kollywood blockbuster from director Arun Matheswaran with Dhanush in the leading role has generated a worldwide buzz for its powerfully familiar title, named after the LTTE’s first Black Tiger. But who is the real Captain Miller?

Arrests made after 'petrol bomb attack' on Sri Lankan police station in Mandaitivu

Two individuals have been apprehended for reportedly throwing petrol bombs at a Sri Lankan police station in Kayts, Jaffna.

The arrested persons believed to be residents of Mandaitivu, are accused of targetting the police station at the Mandaitivu junction on January 10.

The Sri Lankan police claimed they pursued and apprehended the suspects involved in the attack. The detained individuals are currently under investigation at the Kayts police station, where authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the assault.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights slams slams Sri Lanka’s anti-drug campaign

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk has slammed the Sri Lankan government’s ongoing anti-drug operation, “Operation Yukthiya”, and urged the government to comply with a human-rights based approach.

In a statement Türk notes that “a staggering 29,000 people have reportedly been arrested on drug related matters since 17 December”. Those detained have allegedly been subject to ill-treatment and torture.

Sri Lanka’s response to economic crisis undermines rights – HRW

Human Rights Watch’s (HRW’s) 2024 World Report raises alarm over Sri Lanka’s continued repressive policies and details how its economic policies have hit poorest the hardest.

As Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW, stated:

“The current administration is responding with policies that weigh heaviest on those who have the least, while suppressing voices that are essential for accountable, democratic decision-making.”

Captain Miller - a cinematic misfire

Landing on the scene with hyper-violent art film 2021’s ‘Rocky,’ Matheswaran swiftly followed it up last year with the equally violent ‘Saani Kaayidham.’ The Keerthy Suresh starrer was a tightly written revenge film with stunning cinematography, performances and score. Matheswaran proved himself to be a highly capable director, and looked to expand his vision and scope with this year’s release ‘Captain Miller.’ Starring Dhanush and scored by GV Prakash, Matheswaran had his eyes set on entering the commercial zone. 

Ayalaan - yawn-inspiring

‘Ayalaan’ stars Sivakarthikeyan, is scored by AR Rahman and tackles the extraterrestrial sub-genre of science fiction. In every department, ‘Ayalaan’ is a bigger film than its predecessor. However, whether it is a better film is certainly up for debate. 

Anti-Terrorism Bill tabled by Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice

In a move that has sparked both domestic and international concerns, Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe presented the much-criticised Anti-Terrorism Bill to replace the longstanding Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

Eelam writer Theepachelvan unveils novel 'Terrorist' at Jaffna University

Eelam writer and former Secretary of the Jaffna University Student Union, Theepachelvan , introduced his latest novel, "Terrorist," to an audience at Jaffna University this week.

Set against the backdrop of Jaffna, the novel weaves the city's essence with a prominent presence of the Jaffna University. The launch event, held at the University, was presided over by K. Thuvaraga, the President of the Jaffna University Student Union.

Meeting a torturer - Canadian police chief’s controversial Sri Lankan visit

A senior Canadian police chief sparked controversy with a visit to Sri Lanka last month, where he discussed “cooperation” with its notorious police force and visited the office of a senior official who the Supreme Court found had personally participated in torture.

Head of Vavuniya families of the disappeared finally released on bail

S. Jenita, the head of the Vavuniya of Families of the Disappeared, who was arrested by the Sri Lankan police as she attempted to stage a protest last week, has finally been released on bail.