Relatives of the disappeared who have been protesting outside the Mullaitivu District Secretariat for 38 days continued their campaign today.

As the protest of families of the disappeared reached its 50th day in Vavuniya, protestors and supporters held a rally march in Vavuniya town, demanding answers.

The British Conservative party sent wishes to the Tamil community to mark Tamil new year celebrations.

In a message to the British Tamil community, the chariman of the party Sir Patrick Mcloughlin MP, said,

“I would like to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Puthandu today.

The Tamil community is a huge success story doing great things for the UK. From small business owners creating jobs and apprenticeships, to doctors, nurses and teachers making an important contribution to our health service and schools, the Tamil community continue to enrich our society.

British MP, James Berry, said in his Tamil New Year message that much swifter progress is needed towards the full implementation of UNHRC resolution 30/1.

The current chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils travelled to the Northern Province this month and visited the Nanthikadal lagoon in Mullaitivu.

Families of the disappeared protesting in Maruthankerny, Vadamaradchi East continued for the 31st day today.

Families of the forcibly disappeared that have been protesting in Kilinochchi renounced Tamil new year celebrations and instead observed a ‘black day’ today to highlight that they are yet to receive answers about their missing loved ones.

Keppapulavu protestors declared this year’s chithirai puthandu a black day, and rallied wearing black clothes and carrying black flags. Protestors across the North-East observed a similar black day.

Devotees in Jaffna see in the Tamil New Year with festivities at the Nallur Kandasamy Kovil.

The United Nations and the United States have stressed the need for accountability for sexual violence committed by Sri Lankan peacekeepers, as Sri Lanka prepares to send a fresh batch of blue helmets to Mali.

The call comes after an investigation by the Associated Press revealed details of sexual abuse against Haitian children, committed by at least 134 Sri Lankan peacekeepers.