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A New Year, A Renewed Commitment: Standing with the Tamil Community - Uma Kumaran MP
As we mark Tamil New Year - I want to send my warmest wishes to Tamil families here in Britain and around the world – Iniya Puthandu Vazthukal! It’s a time for new beginnings, reflection, and hope. And for me, it’s also a moment to renew my commitment to advocating for the Tamil community across…

Tamil Affairs

Gampaha bus stand
Tamil Affairs
Another shooting added to Sri Lanka’s growing gun violence epidemic
Tamil Affairs
Sinhala colonisation in disguise: TNPF condemns lower Malwathu Oya project
Tamil Affairs
Sri Lankan PM's security detail violate Hindu temple's rules
Pamban Bridge
Tamil Affairs
India-Sri Lanka rail link may be revived with renewed Pamban Bridge

Latest Headlines

Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic Somalia town
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. Raids were launched by al-Shabab fighters before dawn on Wednesday, forcing the army to retreat after fierce battles, according to a security officer quoted by the Anadolu news agency.  However, Captain Hussein Olow, a military officer in Adan Yabaal, told Reuters that the government troops pushed the al-Shabab fighters back.  Speaking to the AFP news agency, Somali captain Mohamed Ali said,  “The terrorist militants launched a desperate attack on the Somali army positions in the Adan Yabaal district this morning.” He continued, 
Sinhala colonisation in disguise: TNPF condemns lower Malwathu Oya project
Kajendran slams Adaikalanathan for backing Sinhala colonisation, calls for Tamil self-rule to resist state oppression
A road still under siege: Sri Lankan Army allows limited access to Palaly route
Palaly Road reopens after 35 years under tight military control, highlighting continued restrictions despite public pressure
Sri Lankan PM's security detail violate Hindu temple's rules
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s security detail violated regulations of the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Hindu temple during her visit on Friday, 11 April. This occurred during the temple’s first Kumbabishekam (inauguration) pooja as some of her aides and Sri Lankan military personnel in combat gear entered the temple's hallowed precincts - it is mandatory for all males to remove upper body garments and for everyone to go barefoot. Tight security ahead of the visit included armed forces deployed at the temple from the early hours of the morning before her arrival, subjecting devotees to body checks and restrictions, creating fear and confusion. It was only after the chief priests of the temple sent a letter of complaint to the Prime Minister’s Office that the intrusive security measures ceased.
India-Sri Lanka rail link may be revived with renewed Pamban Bridge
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly reconstructed Pamban Rail Bridge on 6 April 2025, reviving long-standing proposals to re-establish direct transport links between India and Sri Lanka via the Palk Strait. The vertical-lift bridge replaces the 110-year-old structure that once supported rail and ferry links from Chennai to Colombo via Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar. These links were disrupted following the 1964 cyclone, which devastated Dhanushkodi and halted all ferry services—none of which have resumed since.
JVP General Secretary defends pro-Indian Sri Lankan government
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025, has placed the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power (NPP) government on the defensive as local elections loom in May. JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva refuted opposition parties' remarks claiming that the party had consigned Sri Lanka to a worrying level of dependence on India. During the Indian Premier’s state visit, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, covering key infrastructural sectors including defence, energy, digitalisation, healthcare, power grid connectivity, and development assistance.
Harini Amarasuriya’s hypocrisy on justice for the disappeared
In 2024, Harini Amarasuriya – then an opposition parliamentarian – lauded the Tamil mothers of the disappeared. “The women in this country, particularly those affected by the civil war, have repeatedly expressed what they want,” she said.  “Numerous commissions have sought the views of women victims regarding the reconciliation process, compensation, and grievance mechanisms they want. It is time for the government to take action on these issues. Women have been demanding these changes for years. They are seeking the truth about what happened to their family members. This must be taken seriously.”
What is the OMP? Another doomed Sri Lankan mechanism
As Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya becomes the latest government figure to continue backing failed domestic accountability mechanisms for enforced disappearances, whilst Tamils continue to demand international action, we take a look at one of Sri Lanka's longest standing commissions - the Office on Missing Persons (OMP). It has yet to find a single forcibly disappeared Tamil, identify a single perpetrator or account for a single crime. Inception and initial criticism
Sri Lankan Prime Minister doubles down on failed domestic mechanisms for disappearances 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya claimed her government is “committed to delivering justice” to families of the disappeared but doubled down on domestic accountability mechanisms which have long been rejected by Tamil families of the disappeared.
Sri Lankan media sidelined during Modi’s Colombo visit
Sri Lankan media organisations were reportedly excluded from covering Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile state visit to Colombo earlier this month, with reports highlighting how the President’s Media Division (PMD) took exclusive control of all media coordination and access. While Indian press was given extensive access to official events - including high-level meetings and joint statements- the Sri Lankan press were relegated to the sidelines, with access reportedly limited to just the ceremonial welcome at Independence Square.

Modi in Colombo – Time to seize the moment

Sanctions are just the start 

Selective justice is not justice

FEATURES
The Tamil homeland’s falling population – Sri Lanka’s 2024 census
Explained: The new India–Sri Lanka Defence Agreement 
Modi 'hopes' Tamil aspirations will be met, but focuses on business

Tamil News

Gampaha bus stand

Another shooting added to Sri Lanka’s growing gun violence epidemic

Apr 16

Gampaha bus stand

A brazen shooting incident was reported near the Gampaha public bus stand on Wednesday, as two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at a moving lorry in broad daylight before fleeing the scene.

Sinhala colonisation in disguise: TNPF condemns lower Malwathu Oya project
Kajendran slams Adaikalanathan for backing Sinhala colonisation, calls for Tamil self-rule to resist state oppression
Valikamam East land released after 28-year Sri Lankan military occupation
After 28 years of military control, Achchuveli Cooperative Society regains its headquarters and land intended for traditional medicine.
A road still under siege: Sri Lankan Army allows limited access to Palaly route
Palaly Road reopens after 35 years under tight military control, highlighting continued restrictions despite public pressure
Tamil driver dragged by Sri Lankan police for requesting fine in Tamil
A Tamil driver in Vavuniya was forcefully detained by traffic police after requesting a fine notice in Tamil, sparking outrage over language rights and police misconduct
Sri Lankan PM's security detail violate Hindu temple's rules

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s security detail violated regulations of the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Hindu temple during her visit on Friday, 11 April.

ITAK acting leader slams ministers’ ‘colonial mindset’ during Northern visits
ITAK's acting leader c.v.k. sivagnanam criticised visiting politicians for their colonial attitude towards the north and condemned election campaigns held in temple premises as violations of electoral norms
Sri Lankan police officer accused of threatening stone quarry operator in Vavuniya
The Omanthai Police officer-in-charge has been accused of threatening a quarry operator in Vavuniya over the procurement of quarry dust without receipts, with a video of the incident circulating on social media.
Protest against illegal vihara highlights ongoing sinhalisation and land grabs in Tamil homeland
Tamil landowners in Thaiyiddy protested on 12th April against the illegal construction of a Buddhist vihara on their private lands, highlighting ongoing concerns over Sinhalisation and land encroachment
Keppapulavu demonstrators submit formal request for land release under military occupation
Keppapulavu residents from Mullaitivu staged a protest demanding immediate release of lands still under military control
India-Sri Lanka rail link may be revived with renewed Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly reconstructed Pamban Rail Bridge on 6 April 2025, reviving long-standing proposals to re-establish direct transport links between India and Sri Lanka via the Palk Strait.

Good Bad Ugly - Grand, baseless, underdeveloped

'Bharathanatyam is a way to stay connected to your roots' - Interview with Usha Jey

Shortly before her performance at the V&A Museum, Tamil Guardian sat down with dancer and choreographer Usha Jey to discuss her artistic journey so far. 

Test - A T20 at best

Harini Amarasuriya’s hypocrisy on justice for the disappeared

In 2024, Harini Amarasuriya – then an opposition parliamentarian – lauded the Tamil mothers of the disappeared.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister doubles down on failed domestic mechanisms for disappearances 
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya claimed her government is “committed to delivering justice” to families of the disappeared but doubled down on domestic accountability mechanisms which have long been rejected by Tamil families of the disappeared.
Sri Lankan media sidelined during Modi’s Colombo visit

Sri Lankan media organisations were reportedly excluded from covering Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile state visit to Colombo earlier this month, with reports highlighting how the President’s Media Division (PMD) took exclusive control of all media coordination and access.

Sri Lankan Minister admits military deserters involved in crime wave, 1,700 arrested
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, has announced that approximately 1,700 individuals who deserted the Sri Lankan armed forces have been arrested in a major crackdown on organised crime and illegal arms, with authorities acknowledging that many of those involved in criminal activity are former members of the military.
Eight arrested for illegal fishing in Mullaitivu as local fishermen demand action
Eight individuals have been arrested for engaging in illegal fishing activities off the coast of Mullaitivu over the past two days, amid growing concern from local fishermen about the continued degradation of their livelihoods and marine resources in the region.
‘We do not care’ - Dissanayake defends probe into Rajapaksa grandmother

Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has defended an ongoing corruption investigation involving an elderly female relative of the Rajapaksa family allegedly connected to a high-profile corruption case, declaring that no one, regardless of age, will be exempt from scrutiny if they are implicated in the misuse of public funds.

World News

Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic Somalia town

Apr 16

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Friends forever, never enemies' - China's foreign minister in Moscow

China and Russia have reaffirmed their deepening ties during a high-level visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Republika Srpska adopt new constitution asserting the right to self determination
The federal entity of Republika Srpska has adopted a draft constitution which includes provisions for the formation of an army and asserts the entities right to self determination.
Huge protests erupt as Turkey jails President Erdogan's main rival

Nationwide protests erupted as the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had his biggest political rival arrested last Wednesday and jailed today on counts of corruption and links to terrorism.

M23 rebels capture Walikale in eastern DRC

M23 forces standing beside house

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategic mining hub of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

M23 rebels entered Walikale on Wednesday. Spokesperson for the Congolese army, Nestor Mavudisa, confirmed on Thursday that “the enemy” now controlled Walikale. 

At least 7 dead after boat carrying refugees capsizes off Cyprus’ coast

Boat carrying refugees

Authorities in Cyprus have reported that they have retrieved at least 7 bodies after a boat carrying refugees capsized 30 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco. 

Two people were rescued on Monday, there is still an unspecified number of people believed to be missing. 

Balochistan train hijack ends in bloodshed as Pakistani forces storm separatist fighters

The train hijacked by the Baloch rebels. Photo courtesy: Swarajya Mag

Israel informed US ahead of latest deadly attacks on Gaza

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu sit beside each other with Israel and US flags in background

White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed on Monday that the Israeli government had informed the Trump administration prior to launching massive air raids on the Gaza Strip overnight. 

Rwanda severs diplomatic ties with Belgium

PK

Rwanda says it has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium and ordered all of their country’s diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, drawing a swift response from Brussels.

Children among 32 killed following US airstrikes in Yemen
US fighter jets have carried out a series of air raids across Yemen, killing at least 32.
US explores Somaliland recognition in exchange for military base
The United States is reportedly considering partial recognition of Somaliland in exchange for permission to establish a naval base near Berbera port, according to a report by the Financial Times.
OPINION
Harini Amarasuriya’s hypocrisy on justice for the disappeared
As Modi eyes trade deals in Sri Lanka, Tamils demand justice
Dissanayake’s Indian U-turn
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Good Bad Ugly - Grand, baseless, underdeveloped
'Bharathanatyam is a way to stay connected to your roots' - Interview with Usha Jey
Test - A T20 at best
INTERVIEW
'Bharathanatyam is a way to stay connected to your roots' - Interview with Usha Jey
British MPs praise Tamils and pledge justice at Pongal
Sanctions on Sri Lanka are Britain's 'responsibility' - Interview with Yasmin Sooka