Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

A newly published study has identified the earliest scientifically confirmed evidence of prehistoric human settlement on Velanai Island in the Jaffna Peninsula, dating back around 3,460 years and overturning an erroneous long-held Sri Lankan assumption that the region was largely uninhabited until much later. The study, published in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology and led by…

Tamils continue to be tortured in Sri Lanka, finds new report

A report by the London-based charity Freedom From Torture has found Tamils continue to be tortured by Sri Lankan security forces despite assurances from Colombo that the practice would be halted, stating that the government “continues to flout its own promises”.

Sub Inspector arrested over abduction and murder of businessmen

A Sub Inspector of the Sri Lankan police was arrested today over the abduction and murder of two businessmen in Rathgama. 

Navy sailor arrested over abduction and murder of Tamil youths

A Sri Lankan navy sailor from the Kankesanthurai base was arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for his involvement in the abduction and disappearance of 11 Tamil youths between 2008 and 2009. 

Sri Lanka goes noose shopping

<p>The Sri Lankan government announced it was looking to purchase a new hangman’s noose, after the president declared he would reinstate capital punishment on the island.</p> <p>Though Sri Lanka has not executed the death penalty since 1976, Maithripala Sirisena has re-affirmed his commitment to bringing back hanging criminals. This was despite outcry from human rights organisations and governments from around the world.</p>

TELO leader draws on LTTE legacy and claims TNA cannot be ‘broken’

Parliamentarian Selvam Adaikalanathan spoke on the LTTE’s participation in forming the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) during a speech in Mannar last week, stating the alliance “was formed for the purpose of liberation of our people”.

Sri Lankan navy arrests 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen

The Sri Lankan navy overnight arrested 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen on board three separate fishing boats. 

Officer released on bail over journalist attack in Kokkuvil

The acting Officer in Charge of Koppay police was arrested and shortly afterwards released over the assault of a Tamil journalist in Kokkuvil on Tuesday. 

Gunaratne was released on a surety bail of Rs. 50,000 after being produced in the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court. A hearing date was set for March 26.

The assault took place after the victim, Nadarajah Kugaraj had travelled to Kokkuvil to report on an attack on a house in the area, which reportedly had petrol bombs thrown at it overnight.

Udumpankulam massacre in Amparai commemorated 33 years on

Tamil villagers in Amparai marked 33 years since the Udumpankulam massacre this week, where commandos from Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force killed as many as 130 farmers.

Muslims protest Sri Lanka navy occupation in Mannar

Muslims in Mannar protested for the release of their lands from Sri Lankan navy occupation.

Sri Lankan military expands occupying holiday resort

The Sri Lankan army announced that if had expanded its military-run holiday resort in Jaffna this week, as it continues to consolidate its presence in the Tamil homeland.