Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Mannar Urban Council Chairman Daniel Vasanthan has strongly condemned the arrest of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), stating that the detention reflects a situation where "Tamils do not even have the freedom to sing". Speaking at a media briefing held at the Mannar Urban Council on Friday, Vasanthan criticised the decision to arrest the…

Political uncertainty causes Sri Lankan shares to hit 15-month low

Sri Lanka’s shares hit a 15-month low today, as political uncertainty ensured that foreign selling continued for a ninth consecutive session.

Reuters reported that there was “continued foreign selling in blue chips, political uncertainty and concerns about lower economic growth dented investor appetite for risky assets” on the island, as shares continued to fall.

Political uncertainty is the main reason that has kept investors on the sidelines,” said Prashan Fernando, CEO of Acuity Stockbrokers.

Body of missing man found in Mullaitivu

The body of a man reported missing last month in Vavuniya has been found in Othiyamaalai, Mullaitivu. 

Rajagopal Kajamuhan from Nedunkerni, Vavuniya was last seen on May 17th at 10:30 when he left home to go to the shops. After he failed to return home his mother reported him missing to Nedunkerni police station. 

His motorcycle was found four days later near to the house. 

Two men have been arrested and produced before Vavuniya court in relation to his disappearance and death. 

Mullaitivu residents stop further land grabs from Archaeology Dept

Residents in Mullaitivu on Tuesday stopped officials from the Department of Archeology from surveying in land in view of what they believe is an attempt to acquire further land in the region. 

The residents, who where accompanied by local councillors and members of the Northern Provincial Council, TNA and TNPF, arrived en masse as officials were setting up equipment to survey the land, and demanded that they leave immediately.

Sri Lankan president pledges ‘highest sponsorship’ for Buddhist Renaissance Fund

Sri Lanka’s president Maithripala Sirisena stated that his government would ensure that “the highest sponsorship will be provided by the government to strengthen the Buddhasasana” at a Buddhist religious event at Tissamaharma on Saturday.

No meaningful action on implementing resolution 30/1 says TNA leader to UN

The leader of the Tamil National Alliance, R Sampanthan told the UN resident coordinator during a meeting on Tuesday that the Sri Lankan government had failed to implement the co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution. 

There has been no meaningful action take on the majority of the resolution, Mr Sampanthan said. 

He also highlighted the military ongoing occupation of land in the Tamil homeland and their use of the land for farming, fishing and other civilian industries. 

Foreign Correspondents Association condemns intimidation of journalists in Sri Lanka

The Foreign Correspondents Association of Sri Lanka on Tuesday condemned the intimidation of New York Times local journalists by Sri Lankan lawmakers following an investigation by the paper into China's involvement in Hambantota port. 

"The Foreign Correspondents' Association of Sri Lanka (FCA) is deeply concerned about a campaign of intimidation directed against foreign journalists who contributed to a recent New York Times report on corruption in the island," the FCA said in a statement on social media. 

Leave cancelled for Jaffna police amidst mounting local anger

Sri Lanka police officers serving in the Jaffna district have had their leave cancelled following a spate of violent crimes across the peninsula which have left residents disturbed and angry with the police for its failure to protect communities.

Different areas of the district have recently been left reeling by murders, gang violence and shocking cases of sexual violence.

With local protests being targetted mainly on the police's failure to prevent violent crime, Jaffna police have had all leave cancelled until July 18th.

NYT editor condemns intimidation of journalists by Sri Lankan lawmakers

The editor of the New York Times, Michael Slackman condemned the intimidation of journalists by Sri Lankan lawmakers following a NYT report last month into Chinese control over of the Hambantota port

Sinhala politicians condemn 'pro-LTTE' statement by Tamil UNP minister

Sinhala MPs and politicians have condemned the Tamil UNP state minister, Vijayakala Maheswaran, who reportedly said last week the LTTE was needed in the North-East to prevent the rising violence and anti-social behaviour that is taking place in the region. 

The State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene said he abhorred her statement and warned that legal action could be taken. 

Tamil Guardian website back online after cyber attack

After almost a month, the Tamil Guardian website has come back online this morning, following a malware attack on the site.

The website was taken down in early June, after an attack caused the site to crash.

“At this point, our technical team is still working to determine the origin of the attack,” said Tamil Guardian editor-in-chief Abinaya Nathan.