Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Bharatanatyam world record in Colombo sparks row over recognition and costs
A Guinness World Record set by nearly 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers at Galle Face in Colombo has sparked controversy, after activists questioned why the official recognition was awarded to organisers and an overseas instructor rather than the thousands of performers who paid to take part. The SANGAMAM-2026 event, held on 14 June, saw 4,988 dancers successfully set a new Guinness World Record for…

Sri Lanka must not ‘squander good will’ says Amnesty International

Jun 6, 2016
The Sri Lankan government must not “squander the good will” of those who have “waited decades for their human rights demands to be addressed” said Amnesty International, in a written statement released last week.

The statement, which was submitted to the 32nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council taking place this month, said the “vast majority of alleged abuses before, during, and after Sri Lanka’s armed conflict has not been effectively investigated”.

It also called on the international community to monitor “progress and implementation” of a United Nations resolution that Sri Lankan co-sponsored, which calls for an accountability mechanism with international judges to prosecute perpetrators of mass atrocities.

“Perpetrators have not been prosecuted and torture in police custody persists with impunity,” said the human rights organisation.

UK officials arrive in Sri Lanka

Jun 5, 2016
Two UK officials arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday, for discussions on reconciliation and human rights, as well as wider areas of cooperation between the two countries, the British High Commission said.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's permanent under-secretary, Simon McDonald and the permanent secretary at the UK Department for International Development, Mark Lowcock will meet with the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe and the leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), R Sampanthan.

Sri Lanka tightens defence cooperation with Russia

Jun 5, 2016
Sri Lanka agreed to increase its defence ties with Russia following a meeting between Russia's deputy defence minister, Anatoly Antonov and Sri Lanka's defence secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi, on Sunday.

Looking to the future, cooperation will extend to the training of Sri Lankan military officers at Russian institutions.

"Within the meeting the Russian Deputy Defence Minister pointed out the future directions of the Russian-Sri Lankan cooperation including the one in the field of preparation of military officers in the educational institutions of the Russian Defence Ministry," the Sri Lankan ministry of defence, said in a statement.

Sri Lanka's foreign minister encourages French businesses to invest in 'business paradise'

Jun 5, 2016

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Mangala Samarweera highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential to be a investment paradise during an investment meeting in Paris, reports Colombo Page.

EU development strategy aims at ‘implementation of UNHRC Resolution’

Jun 5, 2016

The European Union is revising its development strategy for Sri Lanka, in order to assist with the implementation of a UN resolution that calls for trials with foreign judges to prosecute those accused of committing mass atrocities.

A statement released following the conclusion of the meeting of the Working Group on Cooperation between the European Union and Sri Lanka last week said the two have “enjoyed diplomatic ties that span more than 40 years”.

Pon Sivakumaran remembered by Tamil politicians in North-East

Jun 5, 2016
Tamil parliamentarians, politicians and civil society gathered to mark the 42nd anniversary of his death on Sunday.
 
 
Speaking at an event held by a statue erected to remember Sivakaumaran,Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian D Siddhartan said Sivakumaran was a pure fighter who fought to secure the legitimate rights of the Tamil people.
 
Also present at the event were former TNA parliamentarian Suresh Oremachandran, Northern Provincial Councillors Ananthy Sasitharan and MK Sivajalingam and the Northern Provincial Council opposition leader S Thavarasa.
 
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Jaya sends second letter to Modi after another 4 fishermen arrested

Jun 4, 2016
The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalitha on Saturday sent another letter to the prime minister, Narendra Modi, urging him to ensure the release of Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan navy.

Following the arrest of a further four fishermen on Thursday, Ms Jayalalitha wrote, "I am constrained to point out that despite my repeated requests, the seized boats and gear belonging to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu have not been released by the Sri Lankan authorities so far."

"May I request your immediate intervention in this matter,?" she added.

Two arrested over Sri Lankan journalist attack

Jun 4, 2016
Police arrested two men on Saturday on suspicion of attacking the Sri Lankan web journalist Freddy Gamage, the Colombo Page reported.

The arrest came only 48 hours after the attack against Mr Gamage on Thursday, during which time Sinhala media and civil society organisations held a protest calling for action over the attack.

Condemning the attack, the New York based media rights group, Committee to Protect Journalists had also urged the authorities to hold those responsible to account.

Protests after military attack on forest conservation officials in Batticaloa

Jun 4, 2016
Tamil officials from the Forest Conservation department and local civil society in Batticaloa staged a protest after being attacked by two Sinhala military personnel.
Photographs: Tamil Guardian

Tamil school opens buildings in High Security Zone amidst military surveillance

Jun 3, 2016
The Jaffna Nadeswara College and School reopened their buildings in the High Security Zone amidst the surveillance of army intelligence and police, on Thursday.
Photographs: Tamil Guardian

People from the army intelligence team photographed and videoed guests, students and well wishers who attended the school’s inaugural event.

The educational buildings have remained in the High Security Zone for 26 years, and have been opened whilst the High Security Zone fencing and military presence remains surrounding the area.

Speaking at the event Northern Provincial Councillor M.K.Sivajilingam said there should be a conducive environment created for the students and teachers to carry out their academic activities without any hindrance, adding that the “military should take steps to release the rest of the nearby lands to ease the environment.”

Mr Sivajalingam called for the security check points at the school entrance to be removed for easy access with adequate transport facilities for the students and staff to access school. The road that leads from the school to the local railway station is currently barred from civilian use.

UK officials arrive in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka tightens defence cooperation with Russia
Sri Lanka's foreign minister encourages French businesses to invest in 'business paradise'
EU development strategy aims at ‘implementation of UNHRC Resolution’
Pon Sivakumaran remembered by Tamil politicians in North-East
Jaya sends second letter to Modi after another 4 fishermen arrested
Two arrested over Sri Lankan journalist attack
Protests after military attack on forest conservation officials in Batticaloa
Tamil school opens buildings in High Security Zone amidst military surveillance
$1.5 billion IMF loan approved for Sri Lanka
UK officials arrive in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka tightens defence cooperation with Russia
Sri Lanka's foreign minister encourages French businesses to invest in 'business paradise'
EU development strategy aims at ‘implementation of UNHRC Resolution’
Pon Sivakumaran remembered by Tamil politicians in North-East
Jaya sends second letter to Modi after another 4 fishermen arrested
Two arrested over Sri Lankan journalist attack
Protests after military attack on forest conservation officials in Batticaloa
Tamil school opens buildings in High Security Zone amidst military surveillance
$1.5 billion IMF loan approved for Sri Lanka