Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Media and Health, Nalinda Jayatissa, has said that the government cannot unilaterally disclose the contents of a recently signed Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India without mutual consent from New Delhi. The agreement was signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo.  Responding to questions…

Tamils in Washington DC area remember Maaveerar

Tamils in the Washington DC metropolitan area got together on Sunday to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

Tamils across Europe commemorate Maaveerar Naal

Maaveerar Naal commemorations were held in cities across Europe on Monday.

Maaveerar Naal marked in Australia, New Zealand

 

Tamils in Australia and New Zealand marked Tamil National Remembrance Day (Maaveerar Naal) on November 27. 

In addition to the lighting of candles and laying of flowers, a number of dances and musical recitals in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Tamil struggle were performed. 

TID will investigate Maaveerar Naal events says Sri Lankan Minister

Sri Lanka’s  State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene said the Terrorism Investigation Division would investigate and arrest those involved in organising the commemoration of Maaveerar Naal and marking the birthday of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Responding to questions about events in the North and East from the press, the defence minister said,

“The TID has launched investigations because such actions are illegal. The LTTE is a banned terrorist group. The TID will carry out necessary investigations and arrest those that are involved.”  

Vavuniya campus of University of Jaffna shut to avoid potential clash between Sinhalese and Tamil students

Reports have emerged that the University of Jaffna Vavuniya campus has been indefinitely closed to prevent a potential clash between Sinhala and Tamil students.

A group of Sinhalese complained to the university administration that Tamil students commemorated the birthday of the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Velupillai Prabhakaran, reports Dailymirror.lk

According to the news outlet 600 students were asked to evacuate the university premises by Tuesday evening.

Ranil warns his MPs not to break unity government

Sri Lanka's prime minister and UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday warned his fellow party MPs not to criticise the SLFP president as could jeapordise the government. 

According to local papers, Mr Wickremesinghe was particularly critical of UNP parliamentarians holding press conferences during his recent trip to India. 

Going forward all press briefings would need his approval or that of the General Secretary, Leader of the House or the Chief Government whip.

Sirisena in South Korea on state visit

Sri Lanka's president, Maithripala Sirisena arrived in South Korea today on a state visit which is to focus on building economic cooperation between the two countries. 

Mr Sirisena was accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tilak Marapana and Minister Daya Gamage. 

A number of economic agreements are expected to be signed including on the Employment Permit System (EPS) and the economic development cooperation fund (EDCF). 

Mr Sirisena will also be visiting a business forum to hold discussion with four large potential investors, Colombo Page reports. 

Amparai Tamils observe Maaveerar Naal

Families of fallen cadres and local residents gathered at the site of a Thuyilum Illam in Kanchikkudichchaaru, Amparai to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

Tamils in Vavuniya mark Maaveerar Naal

Tamils in Vavuniya marked Maaveerar Naal at the Eechankulam Thuyilum Illam and in a service in Vavuniya Town. Eechankulam was the only Thuyilum Illam to be built by the LTTE in Vavuniya. The events included traditional observances such as lighting of the sacrificial lamp and distributing saplings to families of Maaveerar.

Allow Tamils to restore cemeteries and commemorate war dead says TNA MP in parliament

Tamil National Alliance MP Shanthi Skandarajah, speaking in Sri Lanka’s parliament today, called on Sri Lanka to allow Tamils in the North and east to visit cemeteries to commemorate their war dead.

Ms Skandarajah, stressed the need to allow them to restore cemeteries that were destroyed reports DailyMirror.lk.

The MP went on to add that schemes should be made so that widowed women are empowered to start self-employment schemes.