Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Artists, activists and members of the public gathered in Vavuniya on Monday to demand the immediate release of Tamil rapper Sangeethsan Ganeshkumar, who remains detained under Sri Lanka's Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The demonstration, organised by a collective of Vavuniya-based artists, took place in the town's old bus stand area and drew the participation of political representatives,…

Coalition of South African human rights groups raise concerns over visit by Sri Lankan officials with links to alleged war criminals

A coalition of South African human rights groups have raised concerns over the South African government's invitation to Sri Lankan officials with links to alleged war criminals. 

Tamil Canadian organizations band together as Bill 104 faces another challenge

 

Rugsha Sivanandan from National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT) hosts Bill 104 townhall reception 

Over 60 Tamil Canadian organizations have banded together to fight an appeal challenging a previous court's decision to uphold Bill 104, Ontario's Tamil Genocide Education Week (TGEW) Act. 

Human rights violations committed by Sri Lanka remained unaddressed says latest Amnesty International world report

Sri Lanka has made "no progress" in addressing the human rights violations committed in the armed conflict Amnesty International said in its latest annual world report.

SNP's new leader faces criticism from Tamil activists

Humza Yousaf has been elected as the leader of the Scottish National Party and is to be confirmed as first minister, however his record as Justice Minister has raised concerns amongst Tamil activists.

Yousaf stands accused of turning a blind eye to Police Scotland's training of Sri Lanka's abusive security forces.

Sri Lanka Special Task Force assault Tamil landowners

Sri Lankan Special Task Force (STF) officers assaulted and injured four Vavuniya residents who were clearing their land on Saturday.

The officers dressed in civilian clothing entered the land in the Maraiyadiththakulam, Vavuniya while the residents were clearing the underbrush that had overgrown on their land. They had received permission from the National Housing Development Authority to clear out the land of the overgrowth.

Ancient Tamil temple idols in Vavuniya stolen and destroyed

The Athi Lingam consecrated to Lord Siva in Vedukkunaari hill in Nedunkeni, Vavuniya has been reported to be destroyed and discarded in the shrubbery surrounding the temple. Additionally many idols such as the idols of Pillaiyaar, the Mother Goddess Amman, and village deity Bhairavar were stolen from the temple as well.

Buddhist shrine on Jaffna islet raises fears of colonisation

The construction of a Buddhist shrine on the island of Katchatheevu, a notable place of pilgrimage for Tamil Catholics, has raised fears around the possibility of Sinhala colonisation. The shrine has been erected in a section of land cordoned off, around 500 meters away from the historic St. Anthony’s Shrine. Additionally, security has been put in place to prevent pilgrims from entering the Buddhist shrine. Locals are suspicious that the shrine has been erected in an attempt to encourage Buddhist pilgrims in the future.

Britain deports Tamil refugees to Rwanda despite suicide attempts

The British government has sent five Tamil refugees, who have attempted suicide on the British-held island of Diego Garcia, to Rwanda for medical treatment despite their pleas for resettlement, reports the New Humanitarian.

According to the New Humanitarian, one asylum seeker attempted suicide by swallowing the blade of a broken pencil sharpener, whilst another broke a sewing needle and swallowed both parts. This was also attempted by three Tamil men stationed on the island on 13 March.

Passenger ferry service between KKS and Tamil Nadu to commence at the end of April

A passenger ferry service between Kakesanthurai (KKS), Jaffna, and Tamil Nadu is set to be launched by the end of April this year.

According to the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister, Nima Siripala de Silva, the Indian authorities will be handling ferry services, whilst the Sri Lankan government will be facilitating the process. 

Speaking to the Sunday Times, de Silva stated that over Rs 100 million has been spent for the construction of a customs and immigration area.

FIFA upholds suspension of Sri Lanka

On Thursday, FIFA’s congress upheld its decision to suspend Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from voting during its elections.

In January it was announced that the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has been suspended, barring FFSL representatives and the national team from participating in international competitions. The Ministry of Sports introduced a raft of regulations that reportedly compromised the autonomy and independence of national sports bodies, including the FFSL.