Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Sri Lanka earlier this month, New Delhi’s media was already hailing the visit as a diplomatic triumph. A raft of development projects had been announced and a significant new defence pact between the two governments signed. Images broadcast showed Modi beside a smiling Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arms raised aloft in symbolic…

Accountability is a ‘prerequisite towards building an inclusive society’ – US Representative stresses need for accountability in Sri Lanka

Responding to the announcement by the Canadian government on sanctions on former Sri Lankan Presidents Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa, and other state officials, US Congressman Gregory Meeks has stressed the need for Sri Lanka to “take meaningful action on issues related to justice, accountability and reconciliation”.

On Twitter he stated:

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court orders former President to pay compensation to Easter Sunday attack victims

 

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered former President Maithiripala Sirisena and other Sri Lankan officials to pay Rs. 100 million into a compensation fund for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and their families. 

Varisu - A wobbly family entertainer

‘Varisu’ is mostly successful in what it wants to be: a wave of nostalgia for Vijay fans and a safe ‘masala’ film. It can be enjoyed with the family, and Vijay has certainly played his cards well to ensure Pongal success. 

Thunivu - No guts, some glory

Ajith Kumar teams up with H. Vinoth once again following their moderate success with ‘Nerkonda Parvai’ and moderate failure with ‘Valimai.’ Now, the duo return with their take on the heist film, ‘Thunivu.’

SLPP condemns Canadian sanctions on the Rajapaksas

Responding to landmark sanctions announced by the Canadian government on former Sri Lankan presidents Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, General Secretary of the Rajapaksa-dominated Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sagara Kariyawasam, condemned the move by applauding the action of the Rajapaksa to end the war.

In announcing the sanctions, the Canadian government stress the role of the Rajapaksa in “gross and systematic violations of human rights during the armed conflict in Sri Lanka”.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry summons Canada’s High Commissioner following sanctions on the Rajapaksa

Following the announcement of the Canadian government of sanctions on the Rajapaksa brothers, and other Sri Lankan state officials, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has summoned the acting High Commissioner of Canada,Eric Walsh, “to raise concerns”.

According to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry, warned the Canadian High Commissioner that Canada’s unilateral actions “sets a dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka’s interests”.

Sri Lanka condemns Canada’s sanctions on state officials

Responding to the announced sanctions by the Canadian government on former Sri Lankan Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa, as well as two other state officials, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry has hit back claiming that these actions are a “violation of the rights that Canada claims to uphold”.

The Canadian sanctions marked a historic milestone as they sanctioned two former Sri Lankan presidents for their role in perpetuating egregious human violations against Tamils during the armed conflict.

Old rivals form an alliance – UNP and SLPP agree to contest local elections together

Rival political parties, the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have agreed to form an alliance and contest the local elections together.

The TNA’s ultimatum

Following weeks of disappointing negotiations with Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has put forward a seven-day ultimatum to meet three key demands.

The three demands are:

Labour MP slams British Government for failing to sanction Sri Lankan officials

Responding to the Canadian government imposing historic sanctions on the former president and prime minister of Sri Lanka, British MP Gareth Thomas has slammed the British government for its failure to follow suit.