Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Residents of Kepapilavu in Mullaitivu continued their protest for a ninth consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of 59.5 acres of ancestral residential land that they say remains under Sri Lankan military occupation. The protest, taking place in the Karaithuraipattu divisional area, is being led by families who have been unable to return to their original lands for more…

Ongoing denial of crimes by Sri Lankan government says ITJP

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) this month highlighted the widespread denial by the Sri Lankan government of the ongoing torture and rape of Tamils committed by Sri Lankan security forces. 

In an interview with Ceylon Today following a report published by Associated Press highlighting the ongoing crimes committed under the present government, ITJP said,

Stamps marking Maaveerar Naal released in UK

Postage stamps marking Tamil National Remembrance Day (Maaveerar Naal) were released in the UK on November 27. 

The stamps, depicting symbols of Tamil Eelam, including the national flower, bird, tree and animal, were launched at the Maaveerar Naal commemorative event in London. 

Sri Lankan court issues stay order preventing action against Gotabaya

Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal on Wednesday issued a stay order preventing any action being taken against the former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID). 

The order prevents any action under the Public Property Act until December 6. 

Mr Rajapaksa had filed a writ petition seeking an interim order to stop police arresting him after reports last week that he was to be arrested over the misappropriation of public funds. 

According to the FCID Mr Rajapaksa was intending to use the funds to build a museum dedicated to his parent, D A Rajapaksa. 

Maaveerar Naal marked by thousands in Toronto

Tamils in Toronto gathered to commemorate Maaveerar Naal, the Tamil National Remembrance Day at several events in Canada's largest city throughout the week.

The main event at Markham Fairgrounds saw thousands of people stream through the venue all day. The event was held at three separate times on the day, in order to allow as many people as possible to pay their respects.

Tamils in Washington DC area remember Maaveerar

Tamils in the Washington DC metropolitan area got together on Sunday to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

Tamils across Europe commemorate Maaveerar Naal

Maaveerar Naal commemorations were held in cities across Europe on Monday.

Maaveerar Naal marked in Australia, New Zealand

 

Tamils in Australia and New Zealand marked Tamil National Remembrance Day (Maaveerar Naal) on November 27. 

In addition to the lighting of candles and laying of flowers, a number of dances and musical recitals in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Tamil struggle were performed. 

TID will investigate Maaveerar Naal events says Sri Lankan Minister

Sri Lanka’s  State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene said the Terrorism Investigation Division would investigate and arrest those involved in organising the commemoration of Maaveerar Naal and marking the birthday of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Responding to questions about events in the North and East from the press, the defence minister said,

“The TID has launched investigations because such actions are illegal. The LTTE is a banned terrorist group. The TID will carry out necessary investigations and arrest those that are involved.”  

Vavuniya campus of University of Jaffna shut to avoid potential clash between Sinhalese and Tamil students

Reports have emerged that the University of Jaffna Vavuniya campus has been indefinitely closed to prevent a potential clash between Sinhala and Tamil students.

A group of Sinhalese complained to the university administration that Tamil students commemorated the birthday of the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Velupillai Prabhakaran, reports Dailymirror.lk

According to the news outlet 600 students were asked to evacuate the university premises by Tuesday evening.