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…

Chemmani mass grave - 90 bodies identified, so far

Jul 25, 2025
The bodies of at least 90 people, including children, have been identified at the Chemmani mass grave to date, as excavations continue under Sri Lankan court supervision.

Explainer: Another mass grave and the 1990 Sampur Massacres 

Jul 25, 2025
Following the discovery of another set of human remains in Sampur this week, just metres from where at least 57 Tamil civilians were murdered by Sri Lankan government forces in July 1990, we re-examine the massacres.

Ponnambalam slams government’s efforts to whitewash Black July

Jul 24, 2025

NPP officials in Jaffna this week.

Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Member of Parliament Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam delivered a scathing speech in Sri Lanka’s parliament this week, condemning the government for whitewashing the memory of the Black July pogrom and enabling continued land appropriation in the North-East.

Jaffna commemorates 42 years since Black July pogrom

Jul 24, 2025


Commemorations marking the 42nd anniversary of Black July were held in Jaffna yesterday, as Tamils across the North-East remembered the victims of the state-sponsored anti-Tamil pogrom that took place in July 1983.

Earlier on Wednesday, students at the University of Jaffna gathered at the campus and laid flowers before a portrait the read the words “Black July Genocide”.  

In Pictures - “Viduthalai” protest calls for release of Tamil political prisoners

Jul 24, 2025
A symbolic protest titled “Viduthalai” (Freedom) was held at Kittu Park in Nallur today, with demonstrators demanding the immediate release of Tamil political prisoners still held under Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Canadian Conservative Leader reaffirms commitment to Tamil justice as Chemmani mass graves reopen on Black July anniversary

Jul 24, 2025
Marking the 42nd anniversary of Black July, Canadian Leader of the Conservative Party Pierre Poilievre issued a statement in solidarity with Tamil Canadians, reaffirming his party’s recognition of the Tamil genocide and pledging “concrete” steps towards accountability for mass atrocities.

Canadian Prime Minister marks 42 years since Black July

Jul 24, 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a statement commemorating 42 years since Black July, the 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom, describing it as “a tragic chapter in Sri Lanka’s history” that left “thousands dead, families shattered, and countless others forced to flee.”

Valikamam North Divisional Secretary orders Buddhist monk to vacate encroached land

Jul 23, 2025
The Divisional Secretary of Valikamam North has issued a formal written notice to the chief monk of the Thaiyiddy Buddhist vihara, ordering him to immediately vacate land identified as illegally encroached, or face legal consequences.

Sri Lankan government will implement IMF programme ‘to the letter’ despite public protests, says minister

Jul 23, 2025
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Agriculture, Land, Irrigation and Livestock Development, K.D. Lalkantha, has reiterated the government’s firm commitment to fully implementing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, regardless of public dissent or political opposition.

Sri Lanka joins call condemning attacks on UN Palestine rapporteur

Jul 23, 2025
Sri Lanka has signed on to a joint statement alongside a cross-regional group of countries expressing concern over punitive actions and coordinated attacks targeting Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories.
Chemmani mass grave - 90 bodies identified, so far
Explainer: Another mass grave and the 1990 Sampur Massacres 
Ponnambalam slams government’s efforts to whitewash Black July
Jaffna commemorates 42 years since Black July pogrom
In Pictures - “Viduthalai” protest calls for release of Tamil political prisoners
Canadian Conservative Leader reaffirms commitment to Tamil justice as Chemmani mass graves reopen on Black July anniversary
Canadian Prime Minister marks 42 years since Black July
Valikamam North Divisional Secretary orders Buddhist monk to vacate encroached land
Sri Lankan government will implement IMF programme ‘to the letter’ despite public protests, says minister
Sri Lanka joins call condemning attacks on UN Palestine rapporteur
Chemmani mass grave - 90 bodies identified, so far
Explainer: Another mass grave and the 1990 Sampur Massacres 
Ponnambalam slams government’s efforts to whitewash Black July
Jaffna commemorates 42 years since Black July pogrom
In Pictures - “Viduthalai” protest calls for release of Tamil political prisoners
Canadian Conservative Leader reaffirms commitment to Tamil justice as Chemmani mass graves reopen on Black July anniversary
Canadian Prime Minister marks 42 years since Black July
Valikamam North Divisional Secretary orders Buddhist monk to vacate encroached land
Sri Lankan government will implement IMF programme ‘to the letter’ despite public protests, says minister
Sri Lanka joins call condemning attacks on UN Palestine rapporteur