Sri Lanka has accused the Canadian government of using the funding it gives to the Commonwealth as a political tool, holding the body to ransom due to electoral politics, reported Colombo Gazette.

Canada yesterday suspended its voluntary funding to the Commonwealth over ongoing human rights concerns in Sri Lanka and condemning the country’s role as the organisation’s chair.

“It is the Government of Sri Lanka which is best placed to continue the evolution of a home grown solution for its people in accordance with a realistic time frame,” an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said to the Colombo Gazette.

"The government should take action to identify the people involved in this attack, to bring them to justice, and to allow journalists in the North to work freely."

"I'd like to send my best wishes to everyone in Britain, Sri Lanka and around the world celebrating Aluth Avurudda and to all Tamil communities celebrating Puthandu today.  I know that millions of people across five continents will celebrate their New Year with their friends, families and neighbours.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tamil and Sinhalese communities in Britain for their fantastic contribution to our country. From education and medicine to culture and business you have played an incredibly important and positive role in modern-day Britain.

"I wish everyone in Britain and around the world who is celebrating New Year this weekend my very best wishes.
 

The US Ambassador-at-large for Global Criminal Justice, Stephen J. Rapp, said at an event in Washington that the US will continue to work to keep the Sri Lanka issue alive, with a view to see justice some day.

Rapp was speaking last Thursday at an event organised by the America Bar Association-International Criminal Court Project, the Aspen Institute Justice & Society Program, and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, entitled International Criminal Justice: Mass Atrocities, The International Criminal Court, and the Role of States.

The BJP’s candidate to be the next prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, is due to campaign extensively in the Tamil Nadu, reported The Hindu.

The controversial Hindu nationalist politician will visit Chennai, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode and Ramnad over the next week, with a view to capturing votes for his alliance, which includes Tamil Nadu parties, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Indhiya Jananayaka Katchi and Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan government has said it is holding a series of talks with Indian politicians, including Narendra Modi.