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Tamil nationalist parties surge in local polls as NPP loses votes in North-East
The final results from Sri Lanka’s 2025 local government elections revealed a significant shift in voter sentiment across the Tamil homeland, with the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) coalition losing ground and Tamil nationalist parties making a more decisive comeback.

Tamil Affairs

Tamil Affairs
Tamil nationalism triumphs over 'Anura Wave' - Sumanthiran
Tamil Affairs
Journalist and candidate assaulted during local polls in Jaffna
Tamil Affairs
Voting comes to a close in Tamil homeland for local elections
Tamil Affairs
Sri Lanka receives warning of ‘terror threat’ after plane lands and passengers leave 

Latest Headlines

Tamil nationalism triumphs over 'Anura Wave' - Sumanthiran
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Secretary and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran has declared that the results of the recently concluded local government elections have dispelled the myth of an "Anura wave" and reaffirmed the enduring strength of Tamil nationalism in the North-East.
Journalist and candidate assaulted during local polls in Jaffna
A journalist and a Tamil People’s Alliance candidate were assaulted in separate incidents during the local government elections in Jaffna, prompting police investigations
Voting comes to a close in Tamil homeland for local elections
Voting came to a close in the North-East earlier today, as Tamils across the region cast votes for local government polls.
Sri Lanka receives warning of ‘terror threat’ after plane lands and passengers leave 
A SriLankan Airlines flight from Chennai to Colombo was searched on 3 May, after authorities at Chennai Airport received an email claiming that five suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives were on board. The threat, received at 11:05 a.m. by Chennai’s Chief Security Officer, stated that “five South Indian males on UL122 (9:55 a.m.) are Lashkar operatives. Clean profile, well-trained, no suspicion.” However, the flight had already departed by the time the message was received.
Sri Lanka faces scrutiny as EU GSP+ monitoring mission reviews human rights commitments
A high-level European Union (EU) monitoring mission is currently in Sri Lanka to assess the country’s compliance with the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) - a vital trade concession worth over $500 million annually that grants Sri Lankan exports, particularly garments, duty-free access to European markets. The EU delegation, led by Ambassador Carmen Moreno and Charles Whiteley, Head of South Asia Division of the European External Action Service, is on a ten-day visit from April 28 to May 7 to evaluate Sri Lanka’s implementation of 27 international conventions. These conventions span key areas such as human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and good governance, compliance with which is a precondition for continued access to GSP+.
Jaffna journalists mark International Press Freedom Day with protest
On International Press Freedom Day, journalists in Jaffna protested demanding justice for slain media workers and condemned recent threats against a photojournalist
Families of the disappeared urge support for Tamil nationalist parties in local elections
Families of the forcibly disappeared in the North and East have urged Tamil voters to support Tamil nationalist parties and reject southern-backed candidates in the upcoming local elections
‘A bronze statue of the Tamil national leader’ - English translation of NPP campaign song
As part of its campaign efforts ahead of local government polls this week, Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) party released a series of Tamil songs, full of nationalist and pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sentiment. See the translation for one of those songs, based on Valvettithurai, the birthplace of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, below. The song, which pledges to construct a bronze statue of Prabhakaran, features his childhood home and criticises other Tamil parties, has been shared by NPP supporters and officials.  
Sixteen years on remand: Tamil suspects in 2008 bombing case finally face trial
Two Tamil men accused of aiding a 2008 a bombing attempt on former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena—then the country’s Agriculture Minister—have spent nearly 16 years in remand custody, with their case finally heard last week. Selvarajah Kirubakaran, also known as “Morris,” and Thambiayah Prakash, alias “Danush,” were arrested shortly after the 9 October 2008 attack in Boralesgamuwa, which killed four of Sirisena’s security personnel. The attack was reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber, which police claim to have identified as Sammugarasa Gajavalini. The bomb went off near Sirisena’s convoy but not at the lead vehicle.
49 years since the birth of the LTTE
On this day 49 years ago, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was founded. Then 21-year-old Velupillai Prabhakaran rebranded his militant organisation the Tamil New Tigers, into the LTTE.  The organisation, was one of many militant groups formed at the time, but grew to become the largest and spearheaded the Tamil struggle for an independent state. Today, we share a selection of original photographs from Kilinochchi of the LTTE throughout the years. 

A shaky bridge across the Palk Strait

Modi in Colombo – Time to seize the moment

Sanctions are just the start 

FEATURES
16 years today - Hospitals hit by Sri Lankan army
49 years since the birth of the LTTE
NPP releases pro-LTTE campaign songs ahead of local elections

Tamil News

Tamil nationalism triumphs over 'Anura Wave' - Sumanthiran

May 07
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Secretary and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran has declared that the results of the recently concluded local government elections have dispelled the myth of an "Anura wave" and reaffirmed the enduring strength of Tamil nationalism in the North-East.
Journalist and candidate assaulted during local polls in Jaffna
A journalist and a Tamil People’s Alliance candidate were assaulted in separate incidents during the local government elections in Jaffna, prompting police investigations
Voting comes to a close in Tamil homeland for local elections
Voting came to a close in the North-East earlier today, as Tamils across the region cast votes for local government polls.
Sri Lanka receives warning of ‘terror threat’ after plane lands and passengers leave 

A SriLankan Airlines flight from Chennai to Colombo was searched on 3 May, after authorities at Chennai Airport received an email claiming that five suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives were on board.

Sri Lanka faces scrutiny as EU GSP+ monitoring mission reviews human rights commitments

A high-level European Union (EU) monitoring mission is currently in Sri Lanka to assess the country’s compliance with the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) - a vital trade concession worth over $500 million annually that grants Sri Lankan exports, particularly garments, duty-free access to European markets.

16 years today - Hospitals hit by Sri Lankan army

 

To mark 16 years since the Sri Lankan military onslaught that massacred tens of thousands of Tamils, we revisit the final days leading up to the 18th of May 2009 – a date remembered around the world as ‘Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day’. 

Jaffna journalists mark International Press Freedom Day with protest
On International Press Freedom Day, journalists in Jaffna protested demanding justice for slain media workers and condemned recent threats against a photojournalist
Families of the disappeared urge support for Tamil nationalist parties in local elections
Families of the forcibly disappeared in the North and East have urged Tamil voters to support Tamil nationalist parties and reject southern-backed candidates in the upcoming local elections
‘A bronze statue of the Tamil national leader’ - English translation of NPP campaign song

Sixteen years on remand: Tamil suspects in 2008 bombing case finally face trial

Two Tamil men accused of aiding a 2008 a bombing attempt on former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena—then the country’s Agriculture Minister—have spent nearly 16 years in remand custody, with their case finally heard last week.

49 years since the birth of the LTTE

On this day 49 years ago, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was founded.

Then 21-year-old Velupillai Prabhakaran rebranded his militant organisation the Tamil New Tigers, into the LTTE. 

Sri Lanka's press freedom remains 'very serious' – RSF

Sri Lanka has been ranked 139th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), placing it among nations where journalism is considered “very serious” in terms of press freedom conditions.

From Visionary to Bystander: How ITAK has forgotten its historic roots

 

Tamil youth activist arrested over opposition to illegal Buddhist vihara in Trincomalee
A Tamil youth activist has been arrested and remanded following a false complaint by a Sinhala Buddhist monk involved in the construction of a controversial vihara in Periyakulam, Trincomalee District.
NPP releases pro-LTTE campaign songs ahead of local elections
The National People’s Power (NPP) has released a series of Tamil-language campaign songs for the upcoming local government elections, embracing rhetoric and imagery closely associated with Tamil nationalism and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
May Day 2025: Workers across Tamil Eelam rally for justice and rights
From the fishing villages of Mannar to the streets of Jaffna, May Day 2025 was marked by a series of powerful demonstrations, where thousands rallied to honour workers’ struggles and to demand justice, equality, and an end to systemic repression.
Call to return Tamil gold amid fears of Sri Lankan government confiscation

Vanni District Member of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan has urged the Sri Lankan government to immediately return gold jewellery belonging to Tamil civilians, warning against attempts to seize the property that was taken by the military during the armed conflict.

Sri Lankan presidential media official questions LTTE’s role in 2006 massacres
The Director of Communications for Sri Lanka’s Presidential Media Division, Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi, has cast serious doubt on the Sri Lankan narrative surrounding two of the deadliest attacks on Sinhala civilians in 2006 — the Welikanda and Kebithigollewa massacres — and suggested that senior state-linked figures, including Pillayan and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, may have had more to gain from the violence than the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
ITAK demands Sri Lankan president revoke Gazette move to seize Tamil lands

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has issued a letter to Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, calling for the immediate withdrawal of a Gazette notification issued under Section 4 of the Land Settlement Ordinance, which could pave the way for the mass appropriation of lands in the Tamil North-East.

Sri Lankan PM accused of defying election laws with temple campaign meetings in Jaffna
The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has filed a formal complaint with Sri Lanka’s Election Commission (EC), accusing Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of violating election laws by conducting National People’s Power (NPP) campaign meetings inside Hindu temples in the Jaffna District.

World News

Israel to ‘occupy Gaza’ as cabinet approves new intensive Israeli operation

May 06

Netanyahu with hand up

The Israeli cabinet has approved plans to expand the war on Gaza and remain in the enclave for an unspecified amount of time. Benjamin Netanyahu said the new offensive will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas. 

Netanyahu stated in a video message on X that Gaza’s Palestinian population “will be moved, for its own protection”.

UK in talks with France and Saudi Arabia on recognition of Palestine

 

(Photograph: Ben Dance / FCDO)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed on Wednesday that the UK is in discussions with France and Saudi Arabia over the recognition of a Palestinian state, ahead of a UN conference in June.

Rwandan arrested in US over genocide charges
DOJ

Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, was charged with covering up from US authorities his role as a local leader in Rwanda when the genocide began in 1994. An estimated 800,000 Tutsis were killed during the three-month-long genocide.

DRC seeks to remove former president's immunity over alleged war crimes

Kabila standing at podium in front of flags

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are seeking to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila so that he can face trial on charges of supporting a rebel uprising in eastern DRC. 

Houthi fighters down $200m worth of US drones

parked reaper drone

In recent weeks Yemen’s Houthi armed group has shot down seven US Reaper drones worth over $200m.

The drones destroyed between 31 March and 22 April mark Washington's most significant material loss. 

Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Pahalgam attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, which left at least 26 people dead.
Ex-South African Foreign minister urges global reform to enforce ICJ Gaza ruling

Naledi Pandor smiling

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency on Monday, Former South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor renewed urgent calls to reform the United Nations. 

Pandor was the foreign minister when South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023.

'Together, we must uphold multilateralism,' says China's Ambassador to India

China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, signalled a renewal of China-India ties, in the aftermath of US-imposed tariffs on countries around the world.

Tunisian court hands prison sentences to opposition figures

President Kaid Saeid in front of books

On Saturday, a Tunisian court sentenced dozens of opposition figures on national security charges. 

Forty people were being prosecuted in the trial, which started in March. Over 20 have fled abroad since being charged and have been sentenced in absentia. 

Israel sacks deputy commander over killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza, denies cover-up

The Israeli military on Sunday announced the dismissal of a deputy commander following an internal investigation into the killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza on March 23 2025. The investigation found “several professional failures” but denied any attempt to conceal the incident.

Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic Somalia town

Somali Armed Forces standing

Al-Shabab fighters are claiming to have seized control of Adan Yabaal, a town in central Somalia, on Wednesday. 

Adan Yabaal is situated about 220 kilometres north of Mogadishu and serves as the logistical hub for government forces.

Red Cross chief says humanitarian situation in Gaza is 'hell on earth'

Gaza

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has told the BBC that Gaza has become "hell on earth", as Israel's military assault and blockade of aid continues.

President of Kurdistan autonomous region to meet Macron

MB

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday marking his fifth official visit to France.

France could recognise Palestinian state in June

Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday France could recognise a Palestinian state in June.

Hamas launches legal challenge against UK terror designation
The Palestinian group Hamas has launched a legal challenge against the United Kingdom’s 2021 decision to designate it as a terrorist organisation, submitting a detailed 106-page application to the Home Secretary calling for the proscription to be overturned.
Ten British nationals accused of committing war crimes in Gaza

Israeli forces tank with israeli flag

A complaint against 10 British nationals accusing them of committing war crimes while serving with the Israeli military in Gaza will be submitted to the Metropolitan Police on Monday. 

Myanmar junta declares temporary ceasefire following earthquake, days after armed groups halt hostilities
The junta’s ceasefire declaration came several days after armed resistance groups across the country had already unilaterally paused hostilities to allow for humanitarian operations. The military had initially refused to reciprocate.
West Papua activists launch boycott Indonesia campaign
More than ninety West Papuan tribes, political organisations, religious and political groups have called for a boycott of products implicated in the Indonesian occupation, in the first major West Papuan boycott campaign ever announced.
Israel killed 15 Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers one by one, says UN
Fifteen Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers, including at least one United Nations employee, were killed by Israeli forces “one by one” and buried in a mass grave eight days ago in southern Gaza, the UN has said.
First direct talks between Congo and M23 rebels to be held on April 9

M23 forces standing beside house
Sources from both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have stated that the two are aiming to hold direct talks for the first time on 9 April. 

The meeting in Doha would be the first direct negotiations since M23 rebels seized eastern Congo’s two largest cities.

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