The UK government has confirmed that an investigation remains ongoing into allegations that British mercenaries, including former SAS soldiers, may have been involved in the commission of war crimes against Tamils alongside the Sri Lankan military.

Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Jaffna parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has urged the Sri Lankan government to officially designate the Chemmani site in Jaffna as a mass grave and to provide immediate funding and protection for the ongoing excavation process.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Jaffna organised the annual Pride Walk this week, drawing participants from across the Northern Province to call for equality, dignity, and an end to discrimination.

The march began at Nallur Sangiliyan Park and concluded at Ariyakulam Junction, with participants carrying rainbow flags, banners, and placards bearing messages of inclusivity and acceptance. 

Amnesty International has urged Sri Lankan authorities to ensure transparency, adequate resourcing, and international standards in the ongoing excavations at the Chemmani-Sindubathi mass grave site in Jaffna, warning that without proper oversight, the process risks failing victims and survivors once again.

Father Chandra Fernando, an outspoken Catholic priest and human rights activist, was gunned down on June 6, 1988 by suspected paramilitaries working with Indian military intelligence.

Sri Lanka’s presidential powers to pardon convicted prisoners are facing renewed scrutiny after a convicted financial fraudster was released from prison, reportedly without presidential approval, triggering a criminal investigation and raised fresh concerns over impunity and corruption within the island’s justice system.

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Security has announced plans to recruit 10,000 retired military personnel into its police force. The move comes amid revelations linking former soldiers to a growing wave of gun violence, organised crime, and even overseas mercenary activity.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) welcomed the recent decision by Pakistan and Afghanistan to upgrade diplomatic relations, following a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers last month.