A Buddhist monk has been arrested in Sri Lanka for filming the abuse of a German tourist by two other Sri Lankan men, reports Hiru News.

The monk, who is 17 years old, was arrested in Gandara as he filmed two other men abuse the German tourist on Thalalla beach, Matara.

Today marks the 23rd anniversary since the death of Sathasivam Krishnakumar alias Colonel Kittu, and nine other LTTE cadres, who committed suicide after being surrounded by Indian navy warships in 1993.

The General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena Gnanasara Thera slammed Sri Lanka’s government for attempting to bring in an act that “puts conditions” on the Buddhist clergy.

Reiterating that Buddhist clergies would not be controlled by parliament, and that any rules on monks should only be proposed by the Buddhist Sangha, Gnanasara Thera said,

“We are facing these problems because of not taking the right decision at the right time, a point which has not been understood by political leaders. We will not let the Act to be brought to the parliament. Ordinary people cannot put conditions on the clergy. If rules are to be implemented they should be proposed by the Chief Sangha Nayaka.”

Adding that monks would not present themselves before any court or magistrate, Gnanasara said,

“We respect the country’s law but we are not going to bow before the white man’s law unless it is relevant to our country."

Hundreds of students in Jaffna took to the streets earlier this week, to protest against government plans to establish private medical colleges.

The ongoing military presence and occupation of the northern province six years after the end of the armed conflict lays the foundation for violence, said the chief minister of the northern province, C V Wigneswaran at the 'National Thaipongal Festival' in Jaffna on Friday.

“The fact that an estimated 150000 armed men belonging to an Occupational Army is stationed in the Northern Province six long years after the end of the War necessarily lays the foundation for violence," said Justice Wigneswaran.

"[The military] have taken over our lands, our livelihoods, our businesses, our resources and are a threat to the wellbeing of our war widows and others.”  

“Are we therefore in a fit state of mind to celebrate Thai Pongal?” Justice Wigneswaran asked the audience, who included the Sri Lankan prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with the UK Foreign Office minister for South Asia, Hugo Swire who is currently visiting the island.

Drawing attention to the 16th goal of the UN's 2013 agenda for sustainable development, which calls for justice for all and the establishment of accountable and inclusive institutions, Justice Wigneswaran said "this is indeed what we Tamils of this country are interested in."

British Foreign Office Minister for Asia Hugo Swire arrived in Jaffna this morning to celebrate Thaipongal.

The minister addressed an event at the Veerasingam Hall in Jaffna, which was attended by the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C. V. Wigneswaran, as well as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent his wishes to the Tamil community who are celebrating Thai Pongal around the world today.

“Thai Pongal reminds us of the many cultures and traditions that we are privileged to enjoy here in Canada,” said Mr Trudeau. “Our rich diversity is a source of strength, which should be cherished and celebrated.”

The prime minister also highlighted the success of the Tamil community in Canada, stating,

“This is also a time for all Canadians to recognize the important contributions the Tamil community has made and continues to make across our country”.