Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay to provide the Criminal Investigation Department with the passwords to his mobile phone and computer as part of the ongoing investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The order was issued on Wednesday by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, while Sallay…

Dozens of men describe rape, torture by Sri Lanka government' reports AP

In an article published on Wednesday, the Associated Press detailed ongoing allegations of rape and torture of Tamil men by Sri Lankan security forces that are said to have taken place between 2016 and July this year. 

Based on the interviews with 20 men and a review of 32 medical and psychological reports, AP noted, "Raped, branded or beaten repeatedly, more than 50 men from the Tamil ethnic minority seeking political asylum in Europe say they were abducted and tortured under Sri Lanka’s current government."

See here for full article. 

Modi visits Karunanidhi in Chennai

The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi visited the leader of the DMK, Karunanidhi on Monday at his home in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

Mr Modi was greeted by Mr Karunanidhi's son and daughter, Stalin and Kalaimozhi. He later tweeted that he had inquired about Mr Karunanidhi's poor health. 

The premier was visiting the city to speak at the platinum jubilee celebration of the Tamil newspaper, Daily Thanthi. 

Indian oil company rejects causing Sri Lanka fuel crisis

The Lank Indian Oil Company (LIOC) on Monday rejected what is described as "mischievous and factually incorrect" reports that it was responsible for the shortage of oil in Sri Lana. 

4 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan navy

Four Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy on Tuesday, for allegedly poaching fish off the coast of Neduntheevu, PTI reported. 

The arrest is the latest in the ongoing issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being arrested by Sri Lankan navy personnel. 

Last month the chief minister of Tamil Nadu wrote to the Indian premier, Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and secure the release of dozens of fishermen currently detained in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lankan Navy occupation leaves displaced Karainagar residents fearing cancellation of housing scheme

The Sri Lankan Navy's continued occupation of civilian's lands has left residents of a Jaffna village fearing they will lose out on an India-funded housing scheme.

Madathu Valavu in Karainagar was formerly a model village housing 44 families, before the homes were destroyed in the war.

Following the announcement of Indian government funding to build houses on the island, local authorities informed displaced residents of Madathu Valathu that their village would be receiving the 24 houses allocated to Jaffna district.

Sri Lankan Army prevent Thuyilum Illam clear-up

The Sri Lankan Army prevented the community clear-up of an LTTE cemetery in Mullaitivu on Monday.

Partnership Dialogue commences, US reiterates support for implementation of UNHRC resolution

The second Sri Lanka- US partnership dialogue commenced in Colombo today, with the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon meeting with Sri Lanka's Foreign Secretary, Prasad Kariyawasam. 

"Sri Lanka and the United States recalled their co-sponsorship of a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2017, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity," a joint statement released on Monday read. 

Jaffna cooperatives urge compensation for losses incurred during conflict

Leaders of cooperatives in Jaffna called for the Sri Lankan government to provide compensation for losses incurred through looting and destruction of goods during three decades of armed conflict. 

“In recognition of these losses, compensation should be provided by the Government, which can be utilised to increase production and create much needed employment across the district,” the Jaffna District Co-operative Council said in a statement, the Sunday Times reported. 

Sri Lankan minister urges public not to panic over fuel shortage

Sri Lanka's minister of petroleum resources development, Arjuna Ranatunga on Monday urged the public not to panic over reports of a shortage of fuel. 

Mr Ranatunga was quoted by the Colombo Page as saying that the state fuel supplier, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation "is maintaining sufficient stocks for the needs of the consumers". 

"It was observed that there was anxiety among the public. However, we are now able to meet 80% of the total requirement," he added. 

"Therefore, I urge the public not to have any undue fears and use the fuel as usual." 

Hambantota port venture to commence Dec 8

Work at Hambantota Port is to commence on December 8, the Sri Lankan prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Monday, the Daily Mirror reported. 

The project is being jointly managed by China Merchants Port Holding Company (CMPH) and Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). 

"It was the Chinese President who suggested forming a joint venture between the Sri Lankan Government and Chinese Company," Mr Wickremesinghe told people at an event in Deniyaya. 

He explained that "the Government was thinking of closing the port down as there were no funds to operate it."