Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Vanni District parliamentarian Thurairajha Ravikaran has called for the immediate release of detained Tamil rapper Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan and renewed demands for the repeal of Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Speaking in parliament on Wednesday during a debate on regulations under the Central Bank Act and a resolution on Essential Public…

Astronomical' impact on Sri Lanka due to war in Ukraine claims Sri Lankan state minister

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya, has said that a prolonged war in Ukraine will have an 'astronomical' on Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lankan Central Bank devalues its own currency as economic crisis worsens

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka announced that it would allow 'greater flexibility in the exchange rate', allowing the Sri Lankan rupee to be exchanged at 230 per dollar, from its previous fixed rate of 201, effectively weakening the currency. 

‘The country is ruined’ – Opposition protesters attempt to storm Sri Lankan President’s office

Thousands of opposition protesters broke out in Colombo, with demonstrators attempting to storm the President’s Secretariat office, as the country’s economy continues to plummet.

Senior IMF official to brief Sri Lanka’s President

A senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official is set to visit Sri Lanka on Monday and Tuesday to brief President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the country continues to struggle with its economic crisis and refuses to request a bailout from the IMF.

Breaking the Bias' - Canadian Tamil Congress celebrates International Women's Day 

Sahithya Rajith's performance on the Veena

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) marked International Women's Day by hosting a virtual event discussing "gender equality and breaking the bias for a successful tomorrow" and showcasing several talented Canadian Tamil women. 

The Facebook live event included a keynote speech from Canada's Minister of National Defence, honourable Anita Anand, several dance and singing performances, and a guided discussion between four accomplished Tamil Canadian women.

‘Diplomatic blackmail’? Sri Lankan scepticism over Indian investments

The Sunday Times LK has accused India of “diplomatic blackmail”, following India’s statement at the UN Human Rights Council that Sri Lanka must meet “the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community” and implement “meaningful devolution” through the 13th Amendment.

Gas shortage forces restaurants in Mannar to shut down

A number of restaurants have been forced to shut down in Mannar this week due to Sri Lanka's cooking gas shortage.  

Restaurants and bakeries across the island have taken a massive hit in recent weeks as the economic crisis has left the island struggling to pay for imports including fuel, medicine and food, causing prices to soar. 

PTA cannot be tinkered with, it must be repealed' says Sri Lanka's opposition

Sri Lankan opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa said the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) "cannot be tinkered with" and joined calls for the legislation to be repealed.

In a letter to Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian M A Sumanthiran, Premadasa criticised the legislation and the proposed amendements the government announced earlier this year. 

Tamils rally to reject 13A and demand self-determination

Tamils held a massive protest in Vavuniya rejecting the 13th Amendment and demanding recognition of their nationhood, self-determination, and sovereignty.

‘We look to the UK to do more’ – Tamil MPs call for sanctions

A group of Tamil politicians in Sri Lanka have written to the British minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmad, urging the UK to impose Magnitsky sanctions on alleged Sri Lankan war criminals and pursue prosecutions under universal jurisdiction.