Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Sri Lanka's parliament on Tuesday approved a further extension of the country's state of public emergency, with all seven votes against the measure cast by Tamil Members of Parliament. The motion was passed by 135 votes in favour and seven against, a majority of 128. The seven MPs who opposed the extension were Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Sivagnanam Shritharan, K. Kodeeswaran, G. Srineshan, T.…

Muslim politicians reappointed as ministers

<p>Kabir Hashim and MHA Haleem, who resigned earlier this month, have been reappointed to their previous ministerial posts.</p> <p>Both of the UNP politicians were sworn in as ministers before President Maithripala Sirisena. Kabir Hashim was sworn in as Minister of Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development and MHA Haleem was sworn in as Minister of Postal Services and Muslim Religious Affairs.</p> <p>On June 3, three ministers and five junior ministers resigned from their cabinet positions saying they had done so as a result of the “hate culture” against Muslims in government at present.</p>

Vavuniya residents protest lack of housing

Residents from Iluppaikulam in Vavuniya protested yesterday against the lack of adequate housing, calling on the government to establish a housing scheme. 

Two Sinhalese men arrested in Jaffna

Two Sinhalese men were arrested yesterday in Jaffna. 

US Secretary of State cancels trip to Sri Lanka

The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has cancelled his planned trip to Sri Lanka, the US embassy said in a statement today. 

Tamil man hospitalised by STF vehicle

An elderly Tamil man has been hospitalised after being hit by a Special Task Force (STF) vehicle in Vavuniya.

Sri Lanka attempts to save Gotabaya from US lawsuits

A mission is under way to save Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s former defence secretary, from two separate civil lawsuits filed against him, local papers report. 

Shavendra Silva's term extended amid calls for war crimes trial

Major General Shavendra Silva's term as the army's Chief of Staff has been extended by six months from June 22 to December 31 despite international pressure for him to resign. 

Public better be on alert warns Fonseka

Sri Lanka's former army commander, and current UNP MP, Sarath Fonseka warned the public to be on alert, following the Easter Sunday suicide bombings. 

Ammunition found in Jaffna

Ammunition was reportedly found in Jaffna on Friday in Siruththevu near the town centre. 

Modi invites TNA MPs for talks in India

<p>India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has invited senior Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs to New Delhi to discuss Tamil issues, Daily Mirror reports.</p> <p>TNA leader R Sampanthan and MPs M A Sumanthiran, Selvam Adaikalanathan and Mavai Senathirajah are reportedly preparing for the trip.</p> <p>Among the topics for discussion will be constitutional reform and a political solution, as well as further talks on Indian support for developing Palaly into an international airport.</p>