Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

The LGBTQIA+ community in Jaffna held their fifth annual Pride Walk, under the theme  “We Exist For Each Other".  The walk, organised by the Jaffna Transgender Network, began outside the iconic Jaffna Public Library and proceeded along Hospital Road and Pannai Road before ending at Jaffna Fort.  Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, human rights activists, civil society…

Sri Lanka slides further down Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index

Sri Lanka has slipped further down places in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, from a rank of 38 in 2018 to 34 this year.

Transparency cites that the weak scores reflect the lack of delivery by elected officials on anti-corruption agendas, together with crackdowns on civil society and attacks on freedoms of press, assembly, and association. 

TNPF organiser's detention extended for attempting to commemorate Maaveerar Naal

Batticaloa district organiser of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), Kanapathipillai Gukakumararajah, and his son face extended remand until February 7, for attempting to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

The Magistrate Court issued the order on January 24 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The arrests occurred when Gukakumararajah and his son were en route to the Thandiyadi Thuyilum Illam to commemorate Maaveerar Naal on November 27, 2023.

18 years later and still no justice for TRO massacre

Eighteen years have passed since seven Tamil Rehabilitation Organizations (TRO) humanitarian workers were abducted by Sri Lankan government-backed paramilitaries in Batticaloa.

Attack on Tamil political prisoner by former army officer was ‘act of vengeance’ says ITAK MP

A Tamil political prisoner was attacked by a former Sri Lankan army officer in Welikada prison, in what has been described as shocking “act of vengeance” by a Tamil lawmaker.

 “Upon hearing of the assault, I went to prison to personally see to the welfare of the political prisoners and inquire about the assault,” Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told the Tamil Guardian.

SJB welcomes accused war criminal, as it looks to build Sinhala support

Sri Lanka’s opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), proudly welcomed former Army Commander Daya Ratnayake to its fold, an official who oversaw military operations during the Tamil genocide and who has repeatedly denied war crimes have taken place.

TGTE Canada recognises advocates for justice and human rights

The Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) in Canada hosted its Annual Dinner and Awards Night for 2023 in Toronto last month, acknowledging and honouring individuals who have shown dedication to advancing justice, peace, and human rights.

North-East Coordination Committee issues 11 demands for devolution of power

The North-East Coordination Committee has presented a set of 11 demands aimed at ensuring the permanent devolution of power to the North-East.

Jaffna University boils 108 pots in Thai Pongal extravaganza

At Jaffna University's recent Thai Pongal festival, students from all 11 faculties, alongside their union and management, collaborated to boil 108 pots as they collectively marked a new beginning with fresh hopes and aspirations. The event was filled with spirited activities like tug-of-war and pillow fights at the main campus, while the Kailasapathy Auditorium showcased vibrant cultural performances, dance, and theatre.

Urgent plea for the repatriation of Santhan as health deteriorates

The mother of Santhan, one of the Eelam Tamils who was imprisoned for the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and subsequently released, has sent out a plea for her son to be brought to Sri Lanka in light of his deteriorating health. 

New ITJP report highlights Gotabaya Rajapaksa's 'pivotal role' in 2009 Tamil genocide

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) have released a report highlighting key evidence of Gotabaya Rajapaksa's "pivotal role" in final phase of the armed conflict in which tens of thousands of Tamils were killed.