Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Tamils across the North-East commemorated Annai Poopathy on Saturday, marking 37 years since her hunger strike unto death, in protest of atrocities committed by the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF). Poopathy Kanapathipillai, affectionately known as Annai Poopathy (Mother Poopathy), began her hunger strike on March 19, 1988 in Batticaloa, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks…

Sri Lankan police officer in Mullaitivu arrested for sexually harassing Tamil schoolgirls

A Sri Lankan police officer stationed in Mallavi has been arrested for sexually harassing female students while intoxicated at a school in the Mullaitivu District. 

Sri Lanka’s 2025 Budget: Increased military spending amid economic challenges

Sri Lanka’s 2025 budget has allocated a staggering LKR 437 billion to defence spending—an increase of LKR 12 billion from the 2024 revised estimates, despite the island’s ongoing economic struggles. 

Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam criticizes Sri Lankan government’s electoral timelines

in parliament

In a speech delivered in the Sri Lankan Parliament, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, a member of the Tamil National People's Front (TNPF), strongly criticized the government's decision to call for nominations before March 21, arguing that it would disenfranchise smaller parties, particularly his own. He emphasized that the fundamental principle of democracy is not about adhering strictly to timelines, but ensuring the maximum enfranchisement of the people.

'China is Sri Lanka’s most trusted economic partner' - Dissanayake

China and Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake has emphasised the importance of studying China’s development path as a model for Sri Lanka's future growth, stating it was “essential” for his government. 

In a recent interview with the Chinese programme Leaders Talk, Dissanayake outlined his interest in adopting strategies similar to those that have driven China’s rapid progress, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation and technological advancement.

Sri Lanka police seek court order to restrain Eelam Tamils from protesting in Mannar

Mannar protest

The Sri Lankan police have sought and obtained a restraining order from the Mannar Magistrate’s Court against ten Eelam Tamils, including lawyers and priests, who were organizing protests against illegal mineral sand mining in the district.

Japanese companies concerned about social instability in Sri Lanka

Japanese firms operating in Sri Lanka were most concerned about political or social instability, followed by unclear government policy management, and currency volatility, according to a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization

Sri Lankan police target Tamil teacher over student art installation

Innasimuttu Sathyaseelan, a teacher in Killinochi, has once again been summoned by the Sri Lankan Police Counterterrorism Investigation Division (CTID) over an art installation created by his students, and asked to name all the students involved.

Discovery of skeletal remains in Chemmani reignites fears of mass graves in Jaffna

The discovery of human skeletal remains near Chemmani, Jaffna, has once again raised fears and painful memories among Tamil residents

Terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka cannot be ruled out – UK

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an updated travel advisory for Sri Lanka, warning that "terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out" and could occur indiscriminately in locations popular with foreign nationals and tourists.

The advisory urges British travellers to exercise caution and avoid crowded public places, particularly hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beaches, tourist attractions, places of worship, and large public gatherings such as religious festivals, public holidays, and major events.

Sri Lankan army personnel ordered to hand over passports

The Sri Lanka Army has ordered all personnel below the rank of Major to surrender their passports to their respective regiments. The decision, confirmed by Army Spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage, has been described as an administrative measure aimed at addressing delays in obtaining passports for official military purposes, such as overseas training programs.