Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Chemmani toll rises to 412, but the work of identifying the dead has not begun
Thirteen more skeletal remains were exhumed from the Chemmani mass grave on Monday and a further seven newly identified, bringing the total identified at the site to 412, of which 390 have now been exhumed, as the excavation, the largest at any mass grave on the island, entered its 31st day. Monday, the 31st day of the third phase of the court-supervised process, saw three sets of remains…

Twenty Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by SL navy

Jul 6, 2014
Twenty Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested on Saturday night  for poaching north of Mannar, reports The Hindu.

A total of 37 fishermen are now in Sri Lankan custody with their boats confiscated by the Sri Lanka navy.

17 Indian fishermen detained in latest SL Navy arrest (29 June 2014)

Australia's deportation of asylum seekers could breach international law says UNHCR

Jul 6, 2014
The United Nations Refugee agency (UNHCR), today expressed deep concern over Australia’s announcement that it had returned 41 asylum seekers to Sri Lankan authorities.

Stressing that Australia could be in breach of international law, the UNHCR statement said,
“UNHCR understands that "enhanced screening procedures" were used as a basis for determining whether the 41 individuals involved raised claims for protection which required further consideration. Without further information UNHCR is not in a position, at this time, to confirm whether they were in accordance with international law. UNHCR has previously made known its concerns to Australia about its enhanced screening procedures and their non-compliance with international law.”

Over 60 Tamil Nadu groups form 'Tamil National Front'

Jul 6, 2014
Tamil nationalist groups in Tamil Nadu, Monday, merged to form a new political movement called the ‘Tamilar Desiya Munnani’ (Tamil National Front) to further the cause of Tamils, reports the New Indian Express.

Lords stress need for international war crimes inquiry to help end dispute between Tamils and Sri Lanka

Jul 5, 2014
The House of Lords on Wednesday discussed how the British government intended to resolve the dispute between the government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil community.

Responding to a question on the suitability of a domestic inquiry in Sri Lanka that was raised by the Conservative party’s Lord Sheikh, baroness Warsi, highlighting that the lack of progress towards accountability and justice in Sri Lanka was due to a lack of political will, said,
“This is despite the UK and others calling for such an investigation since 2009. As a result, the UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution that establishes an international investigation, which we strongly support.”

Ambassador Sison calls for ‘concrete steps’ on justice and accountability in Sri Lanka

Jul 5, 2014

Ambassador Michele Sison speaking in Colombo on Friday

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka has called on the government to take “meaningful and concrete steps” to address concerns on governance, reconciliation, justice, and accountability.

Speaking at an event marking the 238th independence day of the United States, Ambassador Michele Sison praised the “longstanding and warm ties” between the two countries.

The reception, hosted by the US Embassy in Colombo, was attended by Ananthy Sasitharan, councillor in the Northern Provincial Council and R Sampanthan, the leader of the Tamil National Alliance.

USAID calls off voter education programme

Jul 5, 2014

A USAID sponsored programme aimed at voter education has been called off, after pressure from the Sri Lankan government, including Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The programme, called 'educating voters so as to help with elections in the country', was advertised in several national papers, but civil society organisations have now been informed that the funds have been withdrawn and no applications are being taken, reported Ceylon Today.

NFF threatens to withdraw from ruling coalition if Sri Lanka allows South Africa involvement

Jul 5, 2014
The National Freedom Front spokesman, Mohammad Muzammil, said that the party would consider leaving the ruling coalition if the Sri Lankan government allowed South Africa to become involved in the country’s internal affairs.

Muzammil said that the visit of South Africa’s Special Envoy to Sri Lanka and Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) would not be viewed favourably, reports Colombo page.

Dalai Lama urges Buddhists to end anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka and Myanmar

Jul 5, 2014
The spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama, Sunday reiterated calls for Buddhists in Myanmar and Sri Lanka to halt violence against Muslims, reports AlJazeera.

"I urge the Buddhists in these countries to imagine an image of Buddha before they commit such a crime," said Dalai Lama speaking to thousands of his followers at an event to mark his 79th birthday in the Himalayas.


Tamils protest against SL military land grabs in North-East

Jul 4, 2014
Tamils in the North-East, on Friday,  protested against Sri Lankan military land grabs in Kilinochichi.

The protest, which was organised by the Tamil National People's Front (TNPF), took place outside the Kilinochichi district secretariat and demanded that the Sri Lankan military vacate appropriated land.

Speaking at the end of the protest, the Tamil National Alliance MP Saravanabavan, said that the Sri Lankan government, responsible for military occupation of the North-East, continue to occupy thousands of acres of Tamil land whilst telling the UN that the Tamils were happy and resettled.

UK to deport Tamil to Sri Lanka despite evidence of rape and torture

Jul 4, 2014
The British government is to deport a Tamil woman back to Sri Lanka, despite claims that she was repeatedly raped by Sri Lankan soldiers, reports Channel 4 News.

The Tamil woman, who came to the UK to seek asylum in 2010, was repeatedly raped while held in detention by Sri Lankan soldiers after the end of the armed conflict in 2009.

The woman’s asylum case was turned down by the British Home Office despite serious concerns for her safety when she is handed back to Sri Lankan authorities and evidence of previous rape and torture.

Expert evidence analysed by Channel 4 News further found that the woman suffered from PTSD and that her claims of rape in Sri Lanka were credible, despite Home Office doubts of credibility.
Australia's deportation of asylum seekers could breach international law says UNHCR
Over 60 Tamil Nadu groups form 'Tamil National Front'
Lords stress need for international war crimes inquiry to help end dispute between Tamils and Sri Lanka
Ambassador Sison calls for ‘concrete steps’ on justice and accountability in Sri Lanka
USAID calls off voter education programme
NFF threatens to withdraw from ruling coalition if Sri Lanka allows South Africa involvement
Dalai Lama urges Buddhists to end anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka and Myanmar
Tamils protest against SL military land grabs in North-East
UK to deport Tamil to Sri Lanka despite evidence of rape and torture
Australian Immigration Minister to attend SL navy ceremony
Australia's deportation of asylum seekers could breach international law says UNHCR
Over 60 Tamil Nadu groups form 'Tamil National Front'
Lords stress need for international war crimes inquiry to help end dispute between Tamils and Sri Lanka
Ambassador Sison calls for ‘concrete steps’ on justice and accountability in Sri Lanka
USAID calls off voter education programme
NFF threatens to withdraw from ruling coalition if Sri Lanka allows South Africa involvement
Dalai Lama urges Buddhists to end anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka and Myanmar
Tamils protest against SL military land grabs in North-East
UK to deport Tamil to Sri Lanka despite evidence of rape and torture
Australian Immigration Minister to attend SL navy ceremony