Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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  The lawyer representing detained Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeskumar challenged allegations that his client sought to revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during proceedings before the Jaffna Magistrate's Court this week, arguing that the material cited by police contains no reference to the organisation or its leadership. Sangeethsan, better known by his stage name…

Palmyrah Board employees object political appointment by NPP over corruption claims

Employees of the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Kaithady, Jaffna, staged a demonstration outside the board’s offices, voicing opposition to the recent appointment of Vinayakamurthy Sahadeva as the new chairman. The protest comes after the former chairman Mariapillai Selvin was removed from his post. 

Foreign company pays locals to stage protests in support of sand mining in Mannar

A foreign company has reportedly paid Tamil residents Rs. 3000 each to protest in favour of sand mining along the Mannar coastline. This payment, is intended to encourage support for a sand mining project on Mannar Island, which has been staunchly opposed by locals. The protest took place on Wednesday morning this week along the Thalaimannar main road in Erukalam Pitti, where locals gathered to voice their support for mining despite widespread opposition from the majority of Mannar’s residents.

Rehabilitated LTTE cadres urge Tamil community to support their political bid

Former LTTE member and rehabilitated cadre K. Inbarasa has called on Tamil families to rally behind his candidacy in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, presenting it as an opportunity for the Tamil community to gain representation and a voice in government. Speaking at a media conference in Vavuniya, Inbarasa emphasized the unique position of rehabilitated LTTE members in addressing the needs and grievances of Eelam Tamils, urging a united front to advance Tamil interests.

Trump’s return - A potential shift in US policy for Tamils and Sri Lanka

The re-election of Donald J. Trump as US president has ignited debate on how his ‘America First’ foreign policy will be put into action, as he gears up to enter the Oval Office once again next year. In contrast to the liberal internationalist vision espoused by President Biden, Trump’s doctrine has been touted as more isolationist and transactional in nature

As Sinhalisation continues, Sri Lanka denies plans to withdraw military from 'places of worship'

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence dismissed rumours of a military withdrawal from temples and religious sites, asserting that troops stationed for 'security' would remain, as Buddhist shrines continue to be erected across the Tamil North-East.

The Ministry’s statement, led by Colonel Nalin Herath, clearly rejected social media claims suggesting a reduction in military presence.

Sri Lanka kicks back decision on Indian wind project to next year

Sri Lanka’s ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has said any decision on the proposed construction of a wind farm in Mannar by India’s Adani group, will now only be taken in January 2025, despite previous pledges to cancel the deal.

Rajapaksa's lavish security ‘intact’ confirms Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Secretariat has dismissed recent media reports alleging a reduction in security measures for former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, detailing who the accused war criminal still enjoys lavish state protection.

Eelam Tamils stuck in Diego Garcia finally offered move to UK

Dozens of Eelam Tamils who have been stuck on the remote Indian Ocean Island of Diego Garcia have been offered a move to the United Kingdom, more than three years after they were stranded and detained in “abhorrent conditions”.

Dozens of Eelam Tamils who have been stuck on the remote Indian Ocean Island of Diego Garcia have been offered a move to the United Kingdom, more than three years after they were stranded and detained in “abhorrent conditions”.

India and Sri Lanka discuss illegal fishing

After over to years, India and Sri Lanka’s Joint Working Group on Fisheries met to discuss the issues of illegal fishing which has devastated both sides of the Palk Straits.