The ongoing military presence and occupation of the northern province six years after the end of the armed conflict lays the foundation for violence, said the chief minister of the northern province, C V Wigneswaran at the 'National Thaipongal Festival' in Jaffna on Friday.

“The fact that an estimated 150000 armed men belonging to an Occupational Army is stationed in the Northern Province six long years after the end of the War necessarily lays the foundation for violence," said Justice Wigneswaran.

"[The military] have taken over our lands, our livelihoods, our businesses, our resources and are a threat to the wellbeing of our war widows and others.”  

“Are we therefore in a fit state of mind to celebrate Thai Pongal?” Justice Wigneswaran asked the audience, who included the Sri Lankan prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with the UK Foreign Office minister for South Asia, Hugo Swire who is currently visiting the island.

Drawing attention to the 16th goal of the UN's 2013 agenda for sustainable development, which calls for justice for all and the establishment of accountable and inclusive institutions, Justice Wigneswaran said "this is indeed what we Tamils of this country are interested in."

British Foreign Office Minister for Asia Hugo Swire arrived in Jaffna this morning to celebrate Thaipongal.

The minister addressed an event at the Veerasingam Hall in Jaffna, which was attended by the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C. V. Wigneswaran, as well as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent his wishes to the Tamil community who are celebrating Thai Pongal around the world today.

“Thai Pongal reminds us of the many cultures and traditions that we are privileged to enjoy here in Canada,” said Mr Trudeau. “Our rich diversity is a source of strength, which should be cherished and celebrated.”

The prime minister also highlighted the success of the Tamil community in Canada, stating,

“This is also a time for all Canadians to recognize the important contributions the Tamil community has made and continues to make across our country”.

British Prime Minister David Cameron sent his wishes to the British Tamil community on Thai Pongal, recognising the positive contribution they make to life in the country.

“I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the British Tamil community who are celebrating Thai Pongal,” said Mr Cameron in a statement released on Friday. “This celebration traditionally gives thanks for a plentiful harvest, and many in the British Tamil community will gather with friends, family and neighbours over the next few days.”

The Mayor of London and Conservative party candidate for the next Mayor of London Borris Johnson and Zac Goldstein thanked the British Tamil community for their contribution ‘to making London the greatest city in the world,” in their Thai Pongal message.

Speaking at the Shree Ganapathy Temple in London, Borris Johnson thanked the Tamil community for their contribution to society and wished them a Happy Thai Pongul.

Buddhist monks have raised concerns over a parliamentary bill which they claim attempts to control and restricts monks, reports Colombo Gazettte.

The National Bhikku Front said the Theravadi Bhikkku Kathikawath bill had been presented in parliament without consulting the Buddhist clergy.

The NBF accused the government of using the bill to divert attention from issues and control monks.

The outgoing UN and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Subinay Nandy reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to the government of Sri Lanka in working together for the benefit of the people, reports Colombo Gazette.

Subinay Nandy will take up a new post as Head of the Asia Pacific Division of the Department of Political affairs in New York.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka pledges assistance towards reconciliation (16 Sep 2015)