<p>The human rights situation in Sri Lanka was “mixed” in 2018, a UK government report stated, citing key concerns including increased inter-communal tensions, the slow delivery of key reconciliation commitments, delays in introducing new human rights compliant counter terrorism legislation and a stalled transitional justice process.</p>

A roadside Christian shrine in Jaffna was vandalised and its statue smashed by unknown attackers on Sunday night.

The shrine to the Virign Mary in Maniyam Thoddam was one frequently used by local worshippers.

Police said they were investigating the incident.

Sri Lanka on Saturday released 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen following over two months of detention for alleged illegal fishing. 

Sri Lanka's prime minister, Maithripala Sirisena held discussions with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin on Saturday, on strengthening bilateral relations. 

Sinhalese people from the South were brought to Mullaitivu in three buses on Sunday to hold another protest against a Tamil temple.

Four Batticaloa residents who took part in a protest against the acquisition of Tamil land for ilmenite mining were arrested on Thursday and released on bail later that day.

The Sri Lankan army held a Buddhist ceremony in Mullaitivu on Wednesday, where the 68 Division announced it will be constructing its new headquarters as militarisation expands in the Tamil homeland.

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested five men who were deported from Saudi Arabia earlier today on suspicion of terrorism, including a man reported to have been behind the murder of two policemen in Batticaloa last year.

“These are the five remaining leaders of the April 21 terrorist group,” police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told reporters, referring to the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 250 people.

The former mayor of Harrow, a London borough which is home to the largest population of Tamils in the UK, has been formally censured after she was found to have brought the council into disrepute by posing for photographs with senior Sri Lankan military officials.

India's National Intelligence Agency yesterday arrested a man over his reported links to one of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday suicide bombers, Zahran Hashim. 

The suspect, 32-year-old Mohammad Azharuddin was arrested during a raid in Coimbatore. 

"One accused Md. Azharuddin r/o Coimbatore arrested by NIA in connection with ISIS in Tamilnadu.
Earlier, toady morning, NIA had conducted search at his place," the NIA tweeted. 

Residents in Batticaloa held a protest yesterday against the acquisition of Tamil land for ilmenite mining. 

The Easter Sunday bombers were funded by Sri Lankan state intelligence services, Azath Salley, a Muslim governor who resigned earlier this month. 

The Sri Lankan military thanked an Indian army delegation for providing training to Sri Lankan troops, as the military continues its international engagements despite continued allegations of rights abuses.

The European Union's delegation to Sri Lanka expressed concern today over the pressure being directed to the Muslim community. 

“Prejudiced and unsubstantiated allegations repeatedly published by media serve only to fuel intolerance,” the EU said in a statement endorsed by France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.