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…

Ranil warns his MPs not to break unity government

Sri Lanka's prime minister and UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday warned his fellow party MPs not to criticise the SLFP president as could jeapordise the government. 

According to local papers, Mr Wickremesinghe was particularly critical of UNP parliamentarians holding press conferences during his recent trip to India. 

Going forward all press briefings would need his approval or that of the General Secretary, Leader of the House or the Chief Government whip.

Sirisena in South Korea on state visit

Sri Lanka's president, Maithripala Sirisena arrived in South Korea today on a state visit which is to focus on building economic cooperation between the two countries. 

Mr Sirisena was accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tilak Marapana and Minister Daya Gamage. 

A number of economic agreements are expected to be signed including on the Employment Permit System (EPS) and the economic development cooperation fund (EDCF). 

Mr Sirisena will also be visiting a business forum to hold discussion with four large potential investors, Colombo Page reports. 

Amparai Tamils observe Maaveerar Naal

Families of fallen cadres and local residents gathered at the site of a Thuyilum Illam in Kanchikkudichchaaru, Amparai to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

Tamils in Vavuniya mark Maaveerar Naal

Tamils in Vavuniya marked Maaveerar Naal at the Eechankulam Thuyilum Illam and in a service in Vavuniya Town. Eechankulam was the only Thuyilum Illam to be built by the LTTE in Vavuniya. The events included traditional observances such as lighting of the sacrificial lamp and distributing saplings to families of Maaveerar.

Allow Tamils to restore cemeteries and commemorate war dead says TNA MP in parliament

Tamil National Alliance MP Shanthi Skandarajah, speaking in Sri Lanka’s parliament today, called on Sri Lanka to allow Tamils in the North and east to visit cemeteries to commemorate their war dead.

Ms Skandarajah, stressed the need to allow them to restore cemeteries that were destroyed reports DailyMirror.lk.

The MP went on to add that schemes should be made so that widowed women are empowered to start self-employment schemes.

Thousands of British Tamils commemorate Maaveerar Naal

Thousands of British Tamils gathered at the ExCel Centre in London to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

The event commenced with the raising of the British Flag and the Tamil Eelam national flag to the respective national anthems.

Maaveerar Naal reignited in the Vanni with commemorations across Mullaitivu

Tamils across Mullaitivu, the most heavily militarised district in the homeland, gathered at various LTTE cemeteries to mark Maaveerar Naal.

Hundreds gather to commemorate Maaveerar Naal at Aadkaaddiveli Thuyilum Illam in Mannar

Hundreds of Tamils gathered in Mannar at the Thuyilum Illam site of Aadkaaddiveli.

Local priests stood alongside families of Maaveerar to pay their respects.

Thousands gather to commemorate Maaveerar Naal in Trincomalee for the first time since 2004

Thousands of people gathered at the Alankulam Thuyilum Illam in Sampoor, Trincomalee to commemorate Maaveerar Naal despite heavy rain.

For the first time since 2004, the Alankulam Thuyilum Illam was cleaned and restoration efforts were taken by a committee comprised of former cadres, civil society and parents of Maaveerar.

Maaveerar Naal commemorated across Batticaloa district

Events were held across Batticaloa District today at Thuyilum Illams and in village memorial sites commemorating Maaveerar Naal.