News

Ponnambalam calls for unified Tamil stance and full international inquiry into genocide

Jul 17

At a press conference in Jaffna last week, Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Member of Parliament Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam reiterated calls for a comprehensive international investigation into the long history of injustices and acts of genocide committed against the Tamil people, warning against piecemeal or contradictory approaches that could undermine the struggle for justice.

Sri Lanka detains 15 Indian fishermen for alleged trespassing in Mannar waters

15 Indian fishermen arrested for illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters remanded until July 31

Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha passes resolution demanding international justice for Tamil genocide

Valikamam east pradeshiya sabha passes resolution demanding international justice for Tamil genocide

Canadian envoy pledges support for reconstruction of North-East

Canadian high commissioner assures support for northern and eastern reconstruction in meeting with NPP Jaffna MPs

Black July commemoration in Jaffna to demand justice for Tamil political prisoners

‘Black July’ commemoration in Jaffna to demand justice and freedom for Tamil political prisoners

Mannar priest warns of mass protests over land rights violations and wind turbine expansion

Fr Marcus Adigalar, Chairperson of the Mannar Citizens’ Committee, has issued a strong warning to the Sri Lankan government, cautioning that large-scale protests will erupt if authorities fail to intervene and uphold the fundamental rights of local Tamil communities.

UK trade reforms boost Sri Lankan garment exports despite lack of rights conditions

The United Kingdom has announced a package of trade reforms that will further liberalise garment imports from Sri Lanka under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), sparking concern from rights advocates over the continued absence of any human rights conditions tied to such trade preferences.

Jaffna Hindu College marks 25th tribute to murdered Tamil student

A blood donation drive was held at Jaffna Hindu College on 13 July in memory of Sanjeevan, a former student who was killed by the Sri Lankan military on 13 July 2000 in Kaladdy. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his death.

‘Justice will not be served without international investigation’ – ITAK MP Shanakiyan

Speaking in Parliament this week, Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam issued a call for the immediate establishment of an international investigation mechanism into human rights violations in Sri Lanka, warning that domestic structures were neither impartial nor capable of delivering justice.

US may terminate global war crimes accountability funding, including in Sri Lanka

The White House has recommended ending US funding for nearly two dozen programmes that support war crimes investigations and accountability efforts globally, including in Sri Lanka, according to a report in Reuters last month.

Mannar Tamils block water testing for proposed mineral sand excavation

Residents of Pesalai North in Mannar turned away officials from the Sri Lankan Water Resources Board on 15 July, preventing them from conducting water testing linked to a proposed mineral sand excavation project in the area.

Remains of Tamil girl found with blue school bag and toy at Chemmani mass grave

The skeletal remains of a young girl, discovered with a blue school bag and toy, have been formally identified as part of ongoing excavations at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna, the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court heard on 15 July.

Foundation stone laid for Anton Balasingham statue in Paris

A commemorative event was held in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, on 12 July 2025 to mark the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a statue of Dr Anton Balasingham, the former political advisor of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and a central figure in the Tamil Eelam liberation struggle.