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,…

A plot to reinstall Mahinda Rajapaksa as PM

 

MP Professor Channa Jayasumana, a former member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has alleged a plot by members of the SLPP to force the resignation of current Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and replaced him with disgraced former President and Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sinhalisation: New Buddha statue placed in Achuveli

A new Buddha statue has been placed under a tree in Nilavari, Achuveli under the cover of night as part of the ongoing Sinhalisation of the North-East. 

Locals have reported that the Buddha statue was only placed there after a Sri Lankan military checkpoint was recently set up in the area. 

Sri Lanka's TID summons IBC Tamil chairman

Sri Lanka's Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) have summoned Baskaran Kandiah, chairman of mass media company, IBC Tamil. 

The summons orders Kandiah to give a statement at the TID's Kilinochchi office tomorrow on an investigation that is being conducted by the anti-terrorism unit. However, the summons fails to mention what the investigation is in relation to. 

Mannar health workers protest against Sri Lankan government’s austerity measures

Health workers from Mannar General Hospital protested against the Sri Lankan government's austerity measures as the island continues to grapple with its economic crisis. 

Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs discusses bilateral relations with German MP

Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry met with Dr. Peter Ramsauer, who is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Parliament, to discuss the expansion of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Dr. Ramsauer visited the island from 15 to 18 February during which he met with Sabry. 

During their discussion the contributions made by Germany were highlighted. One of these contributions is the expansion of vocational training provided by German technical institutes across the island. 

Bankrupt Sri Lanka to delay local elections due to lack of funding

Local elections which were set to take place next month are to be delayed due to the lack of funding the Election Commission announced. 

The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that the Sri Lankan Treasury has refused to fund the printing of ballot papers, fuel or police protection for polling booths.

IMF considers Sri Lankan bailout even without China’s backing

The US-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) is reported to be considering a bailout for Sri Lanka despite the island’s failure to secure support from China for its debt restructuring plan.

Sri Lanka's GSP+ concessions at risk according to German ambassador

Holger Seubert, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Sri Lanka is reportedly at risk of losing its favourable trading preferences granted by the Generalised Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+) agreement, for failing to repeal the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

Still no answers as Tamil families of the disappeared mark six years of protests

Tamil families of the disappeared marked six years of continuous protest in Kilinochchi today as their campaign to know the fate of their forcibly disappeared loved ones continues. 

Finnish MP calls for targeted sanctions on Sri Lankan officials accused of war crimes

Finnish MP Hussein al-Taee called on the government of Finland to impose targeted sanctions on Sri Lankan officials who have been credibly accused of war crimes.  

In a written question earlier this month, the Social Democratic Party MP asked if Finland will follow Canada and the US in imposing targeted sanctions through the Magnitsky Act.