Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his visit to Jaffna at an election rally in Tamil Nadu this week, as he showcased his efforts to help Tamils in the North-East.

Addressing rallies in Chennai and Hosur, Mr Modi spoke on the issue of Tamils in the North-East, stating "I was the first PM to visit Jaffna and wipe their tears”.

He also spoke of an Indian housing scheme for displaced Tamils, saying “In the last 20 years, for the homes that were lost - 50,000 houses are to be given; 30,000 houses are already given”.

Mr Modi visited the North-East last year, stating he was there to help "wipe the tears from the eyes of those who suffered".

Sri Lanka’s president declared open War Heroes Commemoration Month, on Friday, at is offices in a  flag raising ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony with the Ministry of Defence, Mr Sirisena said,

The UNP's State Minister of Child Affairs Vijayakala Maheswaran has pledged to build a memorial hall in Mullivaikkal, despite government opposition to public Tamil remembrance of the war dead.

“In remembrance of the 100,00 people who were massacred in the war, a memorial hall will be constructed at Mullivaikal with the support of Northern Provincial Council. I will accomplish this within the next five years.” the Tamil MP for Jaffna said.

“Nobody can oppose the construction of the memorial hall in remembrance of our deceased relatives. I do not care, even if I am dismissed.” she added.

A protest held in Amparai earlier today, highlighting ongoing arrests and abductions by the government, was interrupted by a mob led by a Buddhist monk, Ceylonews reports.

Protestors urged the government to stop terrorising the North-East with the detentions, urged the release of those arrested and to stop abducting those it wants to detain.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has visited an infamous torture site used by the Sri Lankan military, reports The Island.

Special Rapporteur Juan Mendez visited Camp Joseph at the Sri Lankan Vanni Security Forces Headquarters during his tour of the island.