Speaking with Economy Next, Denis Chaibi, the European Union’s (EU) Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, raised alarm over Sri Lanka’s proposed replacement to the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), highlighting the centralisation of power within the presidency and lack of transparency.

A Buddhist temple is being constructed around the land that belongs to the Malaiyadi Pillaiyar Temple, in Muttur, Trincomalee, which is currently being occupied with a statue of the Buddha. The Buddhist temple, Kottiyarama Shri Badra Thaathu Raja Maha Viharaya is being constructed with the assistance of the Sri Lankan army and naval forces. 

The administration of the Navalar Cultural Hall in Nallur, which was previously handled by the Jaffna Municipal council, was handed over to the Department of Hindu and Cultural Affairs, which is subsumed by the Ministry Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs on the directive of the Governor of the Northern Province, Jeevan Thiagarajah.

Responding to a question in the House of Lords on what representations the British government has made at the UN Human Rights Council over the issues Tamils face in Sri Lanka, Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for South Asia, reaffirmed the need to address ongoing land grabs and deliver on accountability.

Attempts are being made to evict Tamils and settle up to 180 Sinhala families in lands belonging to Tamil families. The lands in question come under the jurisdiction of the Karaithuraipatru (Maritimepattu), Mullaitivu Divisional Secretariat.

The United Nations expert body responsible for reviewing compliance with civil and political rights obligations has issued a scathing appraisal of the Sri Lankan government’s record.

The Survey Department’s attempt to continue their ongoing inspection of the lands surrounding a Naval base in Kayts in order to expand it, was halted by protestors.

Three Tamil political prisoners have been released after 14 years of unjust imprisonment. The prisoners, Thiruvarul, 45, Sulakshan, 34, Tharshan, 33 were arrested in May 2009 under charges of conspiracy against the state.

Fisherfolk from 14 unions gathered in front of the divisional secretariat office in Point Pedro to protest on Monday 3rd April. The protestors prevented the divisional secretariat employees from entering the office and also disrupted traffic in the area. 

Mr Poobalasingham, a trustee of the Athi Sivan Kovil on Vedukkunaari hill in Nedukeni, Vavuniya, expressed his concern over the future of the temple after it the Athi Lingam was destructed last week.