Even though hundreds of thousands of Tamils took to the polls on Thursday, turnout remained historically low for the Tamil homeland.

According to figures released by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, turnout for the North-East was recorded as below.

Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition has secured a two-thirds majority in parliament, granting it a ‘super majority’ with the ability to amend the island’s constitution, as it swept polls this morning – taking home the most number of seats ever.

As Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election draws to a close, Tamil Families of the Disappeared gathered in Trincomalee to continue their demands answers about the fate of their loved ones, many of whom were forcibly disappeared at the end of the armed conflict.

Polls have closed across the island with a voter turnout lower than expected in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections. Initial figures suggest lower participation in polls today compared to September’s presidential polls. There are 17.1 million eligible voters, including 1 million first-time voters, who will elect lawmakers to the 225-member parliament for a five-year term. In the Tamil North-East, more than 2,000 candidates are standing for the 28 seats on offer.

The polls closed in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections on Thursday, with a 65% turnout across the island and an even higher turnout in many regions across the North East. 

Millions of voters across the island are heading to the polls today, as Sri Lanka’s parliamentary polls get underway.

There are 17.1 million eligible voters, including 1 million first-time voters, who will elect lawmakers to the 225-member parliament for a five-year term.

Why the election?

peaking before the UN General Assembly, UK Ambassador for the UN General Assembly, Archie Young, called for the expansion of the UN Security Council

US President-elect Donald J Trump expected cabinet appointments will see a number of “China Hawks” in key roles such as the United Nations ambassador, National Security Adviser, and Secretary of State, signalling a shift in US foreign policy to refocus on the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy submarine INS Vela completed a three-day visit to Sri Lanka this week, in a move that seems aimed at building closer ties between the two militaries.

The self-declared republic held its fourth general election, with global recognition of the state an issue for both leading candidates.

Vivek Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and Republican politician of Tamil Brahmin heritage, has been appointed by US President-elect Donald Trump to co-head a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency.

The United States has sanctioned India-based Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited (Shaurya), part of a consortium with Russia’s Airports of Regions Management Company to oversee Sri Lanka’s Mattala Rajapaksa Airport.

 In a move that has raised concerns over government scrutiny of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has signed an agreement to expand the exchange of information on investigations and prosecutions involving money laundering, terrorist financing, and related activities connected to NGOs.