Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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UNP rallies to defend Buddhist institutions amid clergy misconduct controversy
Sri Lanka's United National Party (UNP) has accused the National People's Power (NPP) government of attempting to undermine Buddhism and interfere in the affairs of the Buddhist clergy, as controversy continues over proposed reforms aimed at addressing misconduct within the Buddhist Sangha. The dispute comes amid heightened public scrutiny of Buddhist institutions following allegations of…

Gotabaya Rajapaksa agrees to testify in disappearance case – but not in Jaffna

Jul 30, 2025

Former Sri Lankan President and credibly accused war criminal Gotabaya Rajapaksa has informed the Supreme Court that he is willing to testify in the habeas corpus case relating to the 2011 enforced disappearance of human rights activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan - but has requested that proceedings be held in Colombo, citing “security concerns.”

Michelle Ananda-Rajah becomes Australia’s first Tamil senator

Jul 30, 2025
Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah has made history as the first Tamil to enter the Australian Senate, following her official signing of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) Caucus book during the 48th Parliament.

French MPs call for international investigation into mass graves and war crimes in Sri Lanka

Jul 30, 2025
A group of French parliamentarians have issued a joint statement calling for an independent international investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka, following the recent discovery of mass graves in the North-East.

Sri Lanka waives visa fees for Israelis amid concerns over war crimes

Jul 30, 2025

Sri Lanka has announced visa fee waivers for travellers from 40 countries in a bid to revive its struggling tourism sector - among them Israel, despite international concern over war crimes being committed in Gaza.

Sri Lanka Supreme Court orders $1 billion in damages for X-Press Pearl disaster

Jul 29, 2025
In a landmark ruling, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ordered the owners and affiliated companies of the X-Press Pearl cargo vessel to pay USD 1 billion in compensation for the environmental devastation and economic losses caused by the catastrophic maritime disaster that unfolded off the island’s western coast in 2021.

Sinhala-Buddhist monk disrupts Aadi Amavasai ancestral rites at Kanniya Hot Springs

Jul 29, 2025
An incident of religious disruption was reported on 24 July at the historic Kanniya Hot Springs Shivan Temple in Trincomalee, where a Sinhala-Buddhist monk attempted to impose unauthorised restrictions during Aadi Amavasai observances.

March held in Mannar demanding international justice for Tamil mass graves

Jul 29, 2025
A peaceful march demanding justice for mass graves uncovered across the North-East was held on Thursday, 24 July, by the Union of Mass Organisations in Mannar.

Top Sri Lankan police officer sacked over Easter Sunday attacks, as PM vows legal action 

Jul 29, 2025

Sri Lanka’s National Police Commission (NPC) has dismissed former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena from service, following a disciplinary inquiry into his role in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 270 people.

Former Senior DIG remanded over alleged false complaint involving underworld threats

Jul 29, 2025
Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police Priyantha Jayakody has been remanded until 6 August by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court, following his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on allegations of filing a false complaint involving an underworld threat.

‘Black July was not the end’ – Commemoration held in Amparai

Jul 29, 2025
A commemoration was held in Karaitivu, Amparai this week to mark 42 years since the 1983 Black July pogrom, with local officials and residents paying tribute to the thousands of Tamils who were killed during the state-orchestrated violence.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa agrees to testify in disappearance case – but not in Jaffna
Michelle Ananda-Rajah becomes Australia’s first Tamil senator
French MPs call for international investigation into mass graves and war crimes in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka waives visa fees for Israelis amid concerns over war crimes
Sri Lanka Supreme Court orders $1 billion in damages for X-Press Pearl disaster
Sinhala-Buddhist monk disrupts Aadi Amavasai ancestral rites at Kanniya Hot Springs
March held in Mannar demanding international justice for Tamil mass graves
Top Sri Lankan police officer sacked over Easter Sunday attacks, as PM vows legal action 
Former Senior DIG remanded over alleged false complaint involving underworld threats
‘Black July was not the end’ – Commemoration held in Amparai
Gotabaya Rajapaksa agrees to testify in disappearance case – but not in Jaffna
Michelle Ananda-Rajah becomes Australia’s first Tamil senator
French MPs call for international investigation into mass graves and war crimes in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka waives visa fees for Israelis amid concerns over war crimes
Sri Lanka Supreme Court orders $1 billion in damages for X-Press Pearl disaster
Sinhala-Buddhist monk disrupts Aadi Amavasai ancestral rites at Kanniya Hot Springs
March held in Mannar demanding international justice for Tamil mass graves
Top Sri Lankan police officer sacked over Easter Sunday attacks, as PM vows legal action 
Former Senior DIG remanded over alleged false complaint involving underworld threats
‘Black July was not the end’ – Commemoration held in Amparai