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Ranil Wickremesinghe blames ‘pro-LTTE’ panel as he flounders over Al Jazeera interview
Former Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe has attempted to shift blame onto “pro-LTTE” figures after his disastrous interview on Al Jazeera English’s Head to Head, in which he floundered over questions on war crimes, enforced disappearances, and his defence of war criminals such as…

Tamil Affairs

Tamil Affairs
Tamil MP assassinated by Sri Lankan military during ceasefire remembered
Tamil Affairs
‘Childish’ and ‘utterly insulting’ - Wickremesinghe defends war criminals in car crash Al Jazeera interview
Tamil Affairs
TNPF calls for Sri Lanka to be referred to the ICC in letter to Core Group
Tamil Affairs
Living with the scars of war – New documentary travels to the Tamil homeland

Latest Headlines

Tamil MP assassinated by Sri Lankan military during ceasefire remembered
Events were held in Jaffna and Mullaitivu earlier this week to commemorate Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Kiddinan Sivanesan on the 17th anniversary of his assassination during a ceasefire by Sri Lankan armed forces on March 6, 2008.
‘Childish’ and ‘utterly insulting’ - Wickremesinghe defends war criminals in car crash Al Jazeera interview
The interview, aired earlier today, saw Wickremesinghe visibly uncomfortable as he was pressed on allegations of war crimes, government corruption, and his administration’s failure to credibly investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.  He threatened to walk out several times.
TNPF calls for Sri Lanka to be referred to the ICC in letter to Core Group
The Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) has reiterated its demand for Sri Lankan to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in a letter addressed to the Heads of Missions in Geneva of the UNHRC Core Group on Sri Lanka. Written earlier this week, the TNPF criticised previous UN HRC resolutions as ineffective, stating that they have failed to deliver justice for Tamil victims.
Living with the scars of war – New documentary travels to the Tamil homeland
A new documentary aired on TRT World last week, travelled to the Tamil homeland and spoke to former LTTE fighters, activists and journalists on the situation almost 16 years after the end of the armed conflict. Amongst those interviewed were former LTTE fighter Kokilavany Navalan, Tamil politician Ananthy Sasitharan and journalist Kumanan Kanapathipillai. They spoke about the ongoing struggles in the North-East such as alcoholism and drug abuse, the push to find those who were abducted and disappeared by the Sri Lankan state and the ongoing attacks, intimidation and surveillance of journalists in the North-East. Watch the full documentary below.
India looks to launch second ferry service to Tamil Eelam
India is set to increase services along a historic maritime route with the launch of a second passenger ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar this July.  The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board has received an expression of interest from an operator to run an all-weather ferry service, capable of carrying 250 passengers and covering the distance in just one hour. This development comes after four decades of suspension of the service. The first revival of maritime passenger connectivity was seen in 2023, with the relaunch of the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service, and now, efforts are being made to expand this initiative to the Rameswaram-Talaimannar route.
IMF warns ‘no room for errors’ in Sri Lanka as Colombo breaches key economic benchmark
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its warning to Sri Lanka that there is "no room for policy errors", following concerns that the government’s decision to cut electricity tariffs by 20% has breached a key structural benchmark under the IMF programme.
Buddhist monks march in Vavuniya as Sri Lanka escalates Sinhalisation 
Sri Lanka’s ongoing campaign to Sinhalise Tamil sites continued last week as a large number of Buddhist monks, escorted by military and police personnel, marched towards the Vedukkunaari temple in Nedunkerni, Vavuniya.  The controversial march began on Shivaratri, a sacred day for Saiva Tamils. The monks, carrying Buddhist flags, led a foot procession that continued for two days, with many local Tamil residents viewing this as yet another attempt by the Sri Lankan state to stamp Sinhala Buddhism in the North-East.
Did the Iron Age begin with Tamils? New research challenges history
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Tamil Nadu is set to rewrite global history, with new evidence suggesting that iron smelting in the region dates back to as early as 3,345 BCE—over a thousand years earlier than previously believed.  The findings challenge long-held assumptions that the Iron Age began in the Hittite Empire in present-day Turkey around 1300 BCE and instead position Tamil Nadu as one of the earliest known centres of iron production. The discovery, which has implications for global archaeological and historical research, was recently unveiled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who declared: "The history of the Indian subcontinent can no longer fail to notice Tamil Nadu. It must, in fact, begin here."
Tamil schoolteacher interrogated for eight hours as Sri Lanka’s crackdown continues
  A Tamil schoolteacher was subjected to eight hours of interrogation by Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in Paranthan, as the security forces continued to crackdown on Tamil activists. Innasimuttu Sathiyaseelan’s alleged "offence" was the creation of a prop for a school sports meet, which included an entrance arch resembling a Thuyilam Illam, or LTTE cemetery, the shape of Tamil Eelam.  The teacher, who is also a member of the Tamil National People’s Front’s (TNPF) Youth, was already questioned about the decoration last year.
Tamils protest at UN in Geneva as Sri Lanka is discussed at Human Rights Council
Hundreds of Tamil activists, youth, and diaspora members gathered outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday, demanding international justice for the Tamil genocide and the liberation of occupied Tamil Eelam. The protest coincided with Sri Lanka's discussion at the UNHRC’s 58th session, where the island’s human rights record and lack of accountability were under review.

Sri Lanka’s underworld rises to the surface

Sri Lanka’s Budget: Funding occupation

This land belongs to us

FEATURES
‘Childish’ and ‘utterly insulting’ - Wickremesinghe defends war criminals in car crash Al Jazeera interview
Did the Iron Age begin with Tamils? New research challenges history
ITJP report calls for accountability over Valvettithurai massacre by IPKF

Tamil News

‘Childish’ and ‘utterly insulting’ - Wickremesinghe defends war criminals in car crash Al Jazeera interview
The interview, aired earlier today, saw Wickremesinghe visibly uncomfortable as he was pressed on allegations of war crimes, government corruption, and his administration’s failure to credibly investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.  He threatened to walk out several times.
TNPF calls for Sri Lanka to be referred to the ICC in letter to Core Group
The Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) has reiterated its demand for Sri Lankan to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in a letter addressed to the Heads of Missions in Geneva of the UNHRC Core Group on Sri Lanka. Written earlier this week, the TNPF criticised previous UN HRC resolutions as ineffective, stating that they have failed to deliver justice for Tamil victims.
Living with the scars of war – New documentary travels to the Tamil homeland

A new documentary aired on TRT World last week, travelled to the Tamil homeland and spoke to former LTTE fighters, activists and journalists on the situation almost 16 years after the end of the armed conflict.

Amongst those interviewed were former LTTE fighter Kokilavany Navalan, Tamil politician Ananthy Sasitharan and journalist Kumanan Kanapathipillai.

India looks to launch second ferry service to Tamil Eelam

Sivagangai ship arrived at kankesanthurai

India is set to increase services along a historic maritime route with the launch of a second passenger ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar this July. 

IMF warns ‘no room for errors’ in Sri Lanka as Colombo breaches key economic benchmark
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its warning to Sri Lanka that there is "no room for policy errors", following concerns that the government’s decision to cut electricity tariffs by 20% has breached a key structural benchmark under the IMF programme.
Buddhist monks march in Vavuniya as Sri Lanka escalates Sinhalisation 

Sri Lanka’s ongoing campaign to Sinhalise Tamil sites continued last week as a large number of Buddhist monks, escorted by military and police personnel, marched towards the Vedukkunaari temple in Nedunkerni, Vavuniya. 

Did the Iron Age begin with Tamils? New research challenges history

A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Tamil Nadu is set to rewrite global history, with new evidence suggesting that iron smelting in the region dates back to as early as 3,345 BCE—over a thousand years earlier than previously believed. 

Tamil schoolteacher interrogated for eight hours as Sri Lanka’s crackdown continues

 

A Tamil schoolteacher was subjected to eight hours of interrogation by Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in Paranthan, as the security forces continued to crackdown on Tamil activists.

Tamils protest at UN in Geneva as Sri Lanka is discussed at Human Rights Council

Hundreds of Tamil activists, youth, and diaspora members gathered outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday, demanding international justice for the Tamil genocide and the liberation of occupied Tamil Eelam.

Sri Lanka claims ‘extremist’ group operating in East
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Media, Nalinda Jayatissa, has stated that intelligence agencies are monitoring an “extremist group” reportedly operating from Kalmunai in the Eastern Province. 
Sri Lanka pledges to repeal PTA – but will another repressive law takes its place?

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that his government will repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and replace it with a new legal framework, raising concerns that the infamously draconian law may simply be rebranded rather than abolished.

Sri Lankan PM highlights Rajapaksa's extravagant spending
During a parliamentary debate on government expenditure, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya disclosed a detailed breakdown of the staggering foreign travel costs incurred by former presidents over the past fifteen years.
Tamil nationalist alliance formed ahead of local government elections
A coalition of nine Tamil nationalist parties has been formed to contest the upcoming local government elections under the conch symbol, under a new political formation known as the Democratic Tamil Nationalist Front (DTNF).
Shiv Sena calls for ‘six months’ to end vihara dispute in Jaffna
Members of the Shiv Sena organisation pledged to resolve the long-standing Thaiyiddy Vihara land dispute within six months, during a press conference in Jaffna last week.
Nedunthivu residents protest against liquor shop as drug and alcohol abuse surges
Residents of Nedunthivu (Delft Island) staged a protest today, calling for the closure of a local liquor shop amid growing concerns over the rampant spread of alcohol and illicit drugs in the Tamil homeland.
Racist BBS monk claims USAID used to suppress Sinhala Buddhism
Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, the controversial General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), has accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of funding several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to undermine Sinhala Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka compensates Rajapaksa's astrologer Rs. 28 million for 2022 damages
Chief Government Whip and Minister Nalinda Jayathissa revealed that the SLPP - Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government has disbursed significant sums in compensation for damages incurred during the 2022 Araglaya in Sri Lanka, including millions of rupees to an astrologer close to the Rajapaksa clan.
Jaffna fishermen protest against Indian trawler encroachments
Jaffna fishermen staged a protest on February 27, demanding action against Indian fishermen's encroachments and submitted petitions to relevant authorities
Rights defenders in North-East labelled as terrorists - UN Special Rapporteur
A forthcoming United Nations Human Rights Council report has highlighted the systematic targeting of human rights defenders (HRDs) in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces, where activists have been subjected to violence, surveillance, and labelled as “terrorists”.

World News

China says it is ready in "tariff war, trade war, or any other war" with US

Mar 06

US flag and Chinese Flag beside each other

China has warned that it is ready to “fight to the end” with the US in a “tariff war, trade war, or any other war” in response to President Donald Trump’s mounting trade tariffs. 

Thailand Deports Dozens of Uighurs to China
Thailand deported 40 Uighur asylum seekers back to China last week, drawing a sharp rebuke from U.N. officials and activists who had long warned that the men would possibly face torture and long-term imprisonment upon their return.
Israel launches air attacks near Syria’s Tartous
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December.
Kurdish group PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey in response to its leader's call

Mauritian PM urged to demand closure of military base in Diego Garcia
Mauritian politicians have called on the country’s prime minister to demand the closure of the military base in Diego Garcia.
Cambodia tightens grip on those denying Khmer Rouge genocide


Increased fighting forces MSF to stop operations in Zamzam camp in North Darfur

MSF Logo with images of workers and civilians in background
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has said it is suspending its work in Zamzam camp for displaced people near El Fasher in North Darfur, Sudan due to escalating violence in a statement released on Monday.

Scottish independence campaigners to take case to UN
Independence campaigners Salvo and its sister organisation Liberation Scotland have paired up with Geneva-based group Justice Pour Tous Internationale (Justice for All International) to present a petition to the UN’s special committee on decolonisation.
Israel expands West Bank offensive, deploys tanks for the first time in decades

Israeli tanks driving on Israeli border

Israel announced on Sunday that it is expanding its military offensive across the occupied West Bank and has deployed tanks in the northern West Bank city of Jenin for the first time in over 20 years. 

Sinn Féin leaders to protest White House visit over US stance on Gaza

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mcdonald speaking at podium

Sinn Féin leaders have announced that they will not be traveling to Washington DC for St Patrick’s Day events at the White House in protest over Donald Trump’s position on Gaza. 

Thousands arrive in Burundi within days, fleeing escalating violence in eastern DRC
In a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva UNHCR spokesperson, Matthew Saltmarsh, reported that between 10,000 - 15,000 people have fled escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and crossed into Burundi.
EU agrees new sanction package against Russia

EU

The new measures targeting Russia’s aluminium and oil exports come as Brussels fears Trump could ease US sanctions on Moscow as part of a peace deal struck with President Vladimir Putin without Europe’s involvement.

US will keep sanctions on Russia until settlement reached
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the US will keep sanctions on Russia in place at least until a deal to end the Ukraine conflict is reached.
‘Canada can go to hell’ - Nigerian Military Chief outraged after visa rejection
The Nigerian government has criticized Canada for denying visas to its senior military officers, including the country’s head of the military.
US Defence Secretary says return to Ukraine Pre-2014 borders unrealistic
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic.
'Kurds are our loyal allies and brothers in arms, we will never abandon them' - French Foreign Minister
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host an international conference on 13 February in Paris to address the future of Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, with Kurdish representatives set to play a key role
ICC speak out against Trump sanctions
The International Criminal Court has issued a stern rebuke after its officials had sanctions imposed on them by newly elected US President Donald Trump.
Trump meets with Netanyahu despite ICC arrest warrant
Trump has hosted the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the first visit of a foreign leader to the White House during Trump's second term.
Trump announcement to 'take over' Gaza draws widespread condemnation
President Donald Trump has said the United States will “take over” and “own” Gaza after an ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the besieged enclave.
Trump to withdraw from UNHRC
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected on Tuesday to stop U.S. engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council and continue a halt to funding for the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.
OPINION
Obituary - Somasundaram 'Mavai' Senathirajah
‘Absolutely committed to justice’ - Keir Starmer’s speech to British Tamils in Downing Street
Trudeau’s Tamil legacy
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Nilavaku En Mel Innadi Kobam - An underbaked rom-com
A multicultural Pongal celebration in Pittsburgh celebrates Tamil identity
Dragon - A strong foundation
INTERVIEW
British MPs praise Tamils and pledge justice at Pongal
Sanctions on Sri Lanka are Britain's 'responsibility' - Interview with Yasmin Sooka
ITAK's wake up call and Tamil aspirations - Interview with Shanakiyan Rasamanickam