Tamil Affairs

Death penalty will make UK reconsider security engagement with Sri Lanka

Jun 27

Sri Lanka’s implementation of the death penalty will cause the UK to reconsider its engagement on security issues, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said in a statement expressing concern. Reports emerged this week that Sri Lanka’s president had signed the execution warrants of four drug convicts. The reports have drawn international criticism from states and rights groups.

Sri Lanka backs India for UN Security Council

Sri Lanka backed India's candidature as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council yesterday.  In a tweet, the India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin wrote: “A unanimous step. Asia-Pacific Group @UN unanimously endorses India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat of the Security Council for 2-year term in 2021/22. Thanks to all 55 members for their support."

Sri Lankan president signs executions of 4 convicts

Despite international criticism, the Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena today signed papers authorising the executions of four convicts.

The convicts were sentences over drug related offences.

Speaking to the media, the president said, "I have already signed the papers and they will be carried out soon.”

Responding to the decision, Amnesty International said it was "shocked" and "outraged".

Human rights commission investigates navy and police harassment of Mullaitivu journalist

The Sri Lankan human rights commission (HRCSL) is investigating the harassment of a Tamil journalist by the Sri Lankan navy and police.

Tamil political prisoner dies

A Tamil political prisoner, who was detained for the past 14 years, died last week.

Muthaiya Sahathevan, 61, was arrested in 2005, accused of being involved in the assassination of the former Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.

He died following an admission to Colombo National Hospital for health reasons.

UK calls for 'inclusive response' to Easter Sunday bombings

Welcoming the UN High Commissioner's report, the United Kingdom called on Sri Lanka to ensure an "inclusive response" to the Easter Sunday bombings which included respect for religious freedoms.

Canada calls for international investigation into Tamil genocide

Canada’s parliament unanimously passed a motion calling on the United Nations to establish an international and independent investigation into the allegations of genocide committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka.

President Sirisena calls for a repeal of the 19th amendment

President Sirisena has called for the repealing the 19th amendment of the Sri Lankan constitution to ensure political stability despite the amendments forming a central component of his 2015 manifesto.

Facebook limits message sharing in Sri Lanka over hate speech

The social media platform, Facebook is to limit message sharing in Sri Lanka in an effort to curb hate speech.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will also be used to identify posts in Sinhalese which are inflammatory, Facebook said.

Sri Lanka's army commander says working with India on intelligence

Sri Lanka's army commander confirmed they were working with Indian counterparts on intelligence following the Easter Sunday bombings by Islamist extremists supportive of Islamic State.

Gotabhaya to be SLPP presidential candidate - Basil

The former Sri Lankan defence secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa will be the presidential candidate for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Basil Rajapaksa told a meeting of party parliamentarians this week.

Sirisena reopens historic Mullaitivu tank for Sinhalese settlers

A tank which formerly served Tamil agricultural villages in Manalaru was reopened by the Sri Lankan president for Sinhalese settlers earlier this month.

Justice Dept official says US has tools to prosecute dual citizens over torture

An official with the US Department of Justice said the country had the tools to prosecute dual citizen Sri Lankan defence personnel accused of torture and other seriour crimes.