Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Patali Champika Ranawaka, the former Sri Lankan cabinet minister and one-time General Secretary of the Sinhala nationalist Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), drew attention this week after calling for the humane treatment of detainees – remarks that are in sharp contrast to his previous comments on Tamils. Speaking publicly, Ranawaka said: "Whether it's Suresh Sallay or even Zahran, if they are being…

Handover of Jaffna cultural hall to central government reversed by court

The administration of the Navalar Cultural Hall in Nallur, which was previously handled by the Jaffna Municipal council, was handed over to the Department of Hindu and Cultural Affairs, which is subsumed by the Ministry Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs on the directive of the Governor of the Northern Province, Jeevan Thiagarajah.

UK reaffirms need to address land issues and accountability in Sri Lanka

Responding to a question in the House of Lords on what representations the British government has made at the UN Human Rights Council over the issues Tamils face in Sri Lanka, Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for South Asia, reaffirmed the need to address ongoing land grabs and deliver on accountability.

Villagers protest attempt to settle hundreds of Sinhala families in Tamil-owned lands

Attempts are being made to evict Tamils and settle up to 180 Sinhala families in lands belonging to Tamil families. The lands in question come under the jurisdiction of the Karaithuraipatru (Maritimepattu), Mullaitivu Divisional Secretariat.

UN Paints Bleak Picture of Rights in Sri Lanka - HRW

The United Nations expert body responsible for reviewing compliance with civil and political rights obligations has issued a scathing appraisal of the Sri Lankan government’s record.

Tamil protestors stop Sri Lankan military land grab in Kayts

 

The Survey Department’s attempt to continue their ongoing inspection of the lands surrounding a Naval base in Kayts in order to expand it, was halted by protestors.

Three Tamil political prisoners released after 14 years imprisonment

 

Three Tamil political prisoners have been released after 14 years of unjust imprisonment. The prisoners, Thiruvarul, 45, Sulakshan, 34, Tharshan, 33 were arrested in May 2009 under charges of conspiracy against the state.

Fisherfolk protest illegal fishing activities in Point Pedro

Fisherfolk from 14 unions gathered in front of the divisional secretariat office in Point Pedro to protest on Monday 3rd April. The protestors prevented the divisional secretariat employees from entering the office and also disrupted traffic in the area. 

Ancient Tamil temple administration express concern over temple's future

Mr Poobalasingham, a trustee of the Athi Sivan Kovil on Vedukkunaari hill in Nedukeni, Vavuniya, expressed his concern over the future of the temple after it the Athi Lingam was destructed last week. 

Thanthai Chelva's birthday marked in the North-East

The 125th birthday of S J V Chelvanayakam, fondly remembered as Thanthai Chelva, was marked in Jaffna and Mullaitivu this week. 

Tamils and Muslims protesting installation of Buddha statue in Pulmoaddai threatened with gun

An officer from Sri Lanka's Minister Security Division (MSD) threatened to shoot Tamil and Muslim protesters for opposing the installation of a Buddha statue in Ponmalaikuda, Pulmoaddai in Trincomalee.