Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Thirteen more skeletal remains were exhumed from the Chemmani mass grave on Monday and a further seven newly identified, bringing the total identified at the site to 412, of which 390 have now been exhumed, as the excavation, the largest at any mass grave on the island, entered its 31st day. Monday, the 31st day of the third phase of the court-supervised process, saw three sets of remains…

Former Harrow mayor brought council into disrepute, formally censured over Sri Lanka military photos

The former mayor of Harrow, a London borough which is home to the largest population of Tamils in the UK, has been formally censured after she was found to have brought the council into disrepute by posing for photographs with senior Sri Lankan military officials.

Indian authorities arrest man over links to Zahran

India's National Intelligence Agency yesterday arrested a man over his reported links to one of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday suicide bombers, Zahran Hashim. 

The suspect, 32-year-old Mohammad Azharuddin was arrested during a raid in Coimbatore. 

"One accused Md. Azharuddin r/o Coimbatore arrested by NIA in connection with ISIS in Tamilnadu.
Earlier, toady morning, NIA had conducted search at his place," the NIA tweeted. 

Hashim, the leader of the now proscribed National Thowheeth Jama'ath and bomber responsible for the attack on the Shangri-La hotel, was supportive of Islamic State (IS)

Batticaloa residents protest against ilmenite mining

Residents in Batticaloa held a protest yesterday against the acquisition of Tamil land for ilmenite mining. 

Bombers were funded by Sri Lankan state says resigned Muslim governor

The Easter Sunday bombers were funded by Sri Lankan state intelligence services, Azath Salley, a Muslim governor who resigned earlier this month. 

Sri Lankan army thanks Indian military for training

The Sri Lankan military thanked an Indian army delegation for providing training to Sri Lankan troops, as the military continues its international engagements despite continued allegations of rights abuses.

Sri Lanka’s Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake met with the five-member Indian delegation who are on the island to participate in the 8th consecutive ‘Army-to-Army Staff Talks’ (AAST).

EU expresses concern about pressure on Muslim community

The European Union's delegation to Sri Lanka expressed concern today over the pressure being directed to the Muslim community. 

“Prejudiced and unsubstantiated allegations repeatedly published by media serve only to fuel intolerance,” the EU said in a statement endorsed by France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

“We shared our views during a meeting today with the Prime Minister. On that occasion we welcomed the government's commitment to address hate speech and to set up a religious reconciliation council.”

Everyone should identify as Sri Lankan says Prime Minister

Sri Lanka's prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe this week criticised a former governor for identifying himself as 'Muslim', stating that "everyone should identify themelves as 'Sri Lankans'." 

ITAK leader reiterates call for federalism based solution

The Tamil National Alliance MP and Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi leader, Mavai Senathirajah this month reiterated the call for a political solution based on federalism. 

Tamil refugee stuck in 'hellish' conditions on Manus Island appeals to settle in UK

<p>Tamil refugee and torture survivor from Sri Lanka, Thiraviyarajah Subramaniyam, 37, has appealed to be allowed to join his sister in the UK, having been incarcerated in “hellish” conditions by the Australian authorities since 2013.</p> <p>Thiraviyarajah is suffering from serious mental health problems due to the torture he experienced in Sri Lanka followed by&nbsp;years spent in detention on Manus Island.</p>

Families of disappeared call on Sirisena to fulfil promises

Families of the disappeared in Vavuniya held a march calling on the Sri Lankan president to finally fulfil his promises to them.

Starting with a vigil at a church in the town, the families marched to their usual protest location.

Protestors also called on the United States and European Union to demand justice for their disappeared relatives.