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…

‘A crisis like no other’ – UNICEF issues urgent appeal to support families in Sri Lanka

Speaking to ABC Australia, UNICEF spokesman Bismarck Swangin issued an urgent appeal warning that families in Sri Lanka are being pushed to the brink by the current crisis.

Following army shooting at Mullaitivu, US urges an investigation

Following reports of the Sri Lankan army opening fire on those queuing for petrol, US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has urged for an investigation into the excessive use of force tweeting:

As Tamils demand justice, UN High commissioner meets with Sri Lanka’s foreign minister

On Sunday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs minister, Professor G.L. Peiris, whilst Tamil families of the disappeared and civil society actors burned effigies of the minister and called on the UN for international justice.

Sri Lankan PM states food crisis will impact 5 million people

The Prime minister has noted that the food crisis could directly affect four to five million people in the near future.

During a meeting of the Committee on Food Security, Wickremesinghe stated that MP's would be asked to take charge of food security programmes in their respective divisions. The Prime minister also appointed Parliamentarian Nimal Lansa to look into mitigation efforts to address the food crisis and has asked for a plan to be drafted in two weeks. 

For the attention of the TID…

After Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Department harassed the family of the Tamil National People’s Front’s spokesperson, he posted a public message on social media stating it was “unacceptable” and vowed to continue with his political activism.

“It is in no way acceptable for to go to my home when I am not in the country and threatened and interrogate my family,” posted Kanagaratnam Sugash.

‘Boats from Sri Lanka will not be settled here’ – Australian PM doubles down on asylum policy

File photo: Australian authorities stop a boat of asylum seekers.

Australia’s newly elected prime minister doubled-down on an asylum policy of not allowing any arrivals by boat to settle in the country, as authorities intercepted a third boat of asylum seekers from Sri Lanka since his election last month.

Sri Lanka arrests protestors as IMF team arrives in Colombo

Sri Lankan security forces arrested at least 21 anti-government protesters today, as officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held key talks with senior government officials in the southern capital Colombo.

Tensions flare in Vavuniya as fuel crisis worsens

Dozens of exacerbated locals staged an impromptu protest in Vavuniya on Sunday, with the Sri Lankan army deployed as tempers flared amidst a worsening fuel shortage and economic crisis on the island.

‘Human rights must be central to any future economic reform program’ between IMF and Sri Lanka - Amnesty International

Amnesty International has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure that human rights are “central to any future economic reform program” negotiated between the organisation and the Sri Lankan government. 

In a letter to the IMF’s representative in Colombo, the rights organisation raised its concerns over the impact financial assistance from the IMF will have on human rights in Sri Lanka. 

Tamil political prisoner attends mother’s funeral – before being taken back to jail

A Tamil political prisoner who has been imprisoned for over 26 years was allowed to briefly attend the funeral of his mother who had passed away after campaigning tirelessly for his release, before being escorted back into Sri Lankan detention.

Vigneswaranathan Parthiban was arrested aged just 19 years old, over his alleged involvement in the 1996 Central Bank Bombing. He has spent more time in prison than outside it.