Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Artists, activists and members of the public gathered in Vavuniya on Monday to demand the immediate release of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeshkumar, who remains detained under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The demonstration, organised by a collective of Vavuniya-based artists, took place in the town's old bus stand area and drew the participation of political representatives,…

North-East civil society call for action marking 1 year of disappearance protests


Civil society groups across the North-East have called for action in a joint statement, marking one year of protests by families of the disappeared. 

UN suspends deployment of Sri Lankan peacekeeper over human rights concerns

Photograph: Sri Lankan troops prepare for deployment to Lebanon earllier this month.

The United Nations has confirmed that it has out “on hold” the deployment of a Sri Lankan commander who was set to lead troops as a peacekeeper in Lebanon, after concerns over his involvement in war crimes.

Militant Buddhism: Sri Lanka soldiers construct walls of Buddhist vihara in Amparai

The Sri Lankan military declared that it had completed the construction of the walls of a Buddhist vihara in Amparai, as the army continued its involvement in consolidating Sinhala Buddhist presence in the North-East.

Sri Lanka govt attempting to replace PTA in time for UN Human Rights Council

The Sri Lankan government is attempting to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act in time for the start of the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, the Sunday Times reports.

The final draft was given to the cabinet for approval last Wednesday by the Foreign Minister, Tilak Marapana, and gave rise to objections from the housing minister Sajith Premadasa.

The foreign minister reportedly said that it would be imprudent to stop the new counter terror legislation passing into law so close to the upcoming human rights council session.

Still no answers for families of the disappeared reaching one year of roadside protest

Tamil families of the disappeared have seen out almost a year protesting on the roadsides of various towns, in search of answers about their disappeared family members.

Sri Lanka's ministries grind to halt amid political crisis

Work at Sri Lanka's ministries has ground to a halt as the country's political turmoil continues, the Sunday Times reports. 

The country's unity government was thrown into crisis this month after the country's local government elections delivered a bruising defeat to both main parties of the coalitions, and a victory to the newly established party of the former president, the SLPP. 

"The entire state machinery including the Treasury is operating at a snail’s pace as many officials adopt a wait and see attitude in exercising their official functions," the paper reported. 

SLFP members decide to quit government, Sirisena urges them to wait for SC decision

The SLFP has decided to quit the national unity government, the party spokesperson, MP Thilanga Sumathipala told reporters on Sunday night. 

The announcement came following a meeting between senior UPFA members, including senior figures within the SLFP, and the president, Maithripala Sirisena.

Mr Sirisena has urged them to wait for a decision from the Supreme Court regarding the president's power over the appointment of the prime minister, before making such a decision, the spokesperson added this morning. 

Fishermen massacred by Sri Lanka Navy remembered in Vadamarachchi

Ten Tamil fishermen massacred by the Sri Lankan Navy in 1984 were remembered in Vadamarachchi, Jaffna on Sunday.

Sri Lankan authorities release 109 Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan government released 109 Indian fishermen on Sunday. They are expected to be repatriated over the next few days. 

Over 135 fishermen were in Sri Lankan custody for allegedly poaching in the island waters. Their trawlers and nets were confiscated by the Sri Lankan authorities. 

The release comes ahead of the St Anthony's festival on Katchatheevu island on February 23 and 24. 

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Fonseka seeks law and order portfolio

Sri Lanka's former army commander, Sarath Fonseka, who is accused of orchestrating war crimes against the Tamil people, sought to be appointed the minister of the law and order, arguing he would demonstrate quick results. 

"I will show results in six months if I am given the portfolio of Law and Order" Mr Fonseka was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying.