Tamil Affairs

Tamil News

Latest news from and about the homeland

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Residents of Kepapilavu in Mullaitivu District launched a hunger strike on Wednesday, demanding the release of 171 acres of ancestral land that remain under the occupation of the Sri Lankan military more than 17 years after the end of the armed conflict. The protest was held outside the Sri Lanka Army's 59 Division headquarters, where demonstrators reiterated their longstanding demand for…

UK concerned by Sri Lankan militarisation and harassment of civil society

UK Minister for Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Nigel Adams, expressed concerns the government had over Sri Lanka’s continued “harassment of civil society” and “militarisation of civilian functions”.

Britain claims to take allegations of KMS war crimes serious whilst continuing police training

Responding to questions posed by UK Shadow Justice Minister, Lyn Brown, over the government’s assessment of Keenie Meenie Services war crimes in Sri Lanka and continued police training, Britain’s government has asserted that they are taking allegations of war crimes “very seriously” whilst also defending training provided by the Scottish police.

Britain expresses concern over anti-Muslim sentiment in Sri Lanka

Speaking in parliament, Nigel Adams, Minister for Asia at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, expressed concern over anti-Muslim sentiment in Sri Lanka.

This was during a discussion on attacks on religious freedom during the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams stated:

11 killed by Sri Lankan prison guards

11 prisoners were killed and over 100 injured when Sri Lankan prison guards opened fire at Mahara prison, near Colombo, during unrest on 29 November.

Inmates were demanded to be freed after at least a thousand inmates, out of an estimated 30,000 inmates, tested positive. Police spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana, claimed guards were instructed to use force in order to bring under control the unrest.

Cyclone Burevi devastates North-East

Fishermen in Mannar examine their wrecked boats.

Tens of thosuands of people across the North-East have been impacted by Cyclone Burevi as it slammed into the island this week, leaving homes destroyed, scores displaced and at least one person missing.

Wind speeds reached up to 90 kilometres per hour with rainfall exceeding 200mm in the affected areas as the cyclone hit and moved towards Tamil Nadu.

Sri Lankan Supreme Court dismisses petitions filed against forced cremations

The Supreme Court dismissed all petitions filed against Sri Lanka's forced cremation policy of Muslim COVID-19 victims, according to the Daily FT

Several petitions were filed after the Sri Lankan government made cremations complusory for all coronavirus victims, disregarding advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and going against Islamic tradition as racist false rumours against the island's Muslim community continue to circulate. 

Petition calls for rejection of 'Génocidaire' as Sri Lankan Ambassador to Canada 

An online petition created by Tamil Canadians calls for Canada to “reject the appointment of the Génocidaire, Sumangala Dias, as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada.” 

Cyclone Burevi makes landfall across the North-East

Following Cyclone Nivar last week, Cyclone Burevi is expected to make landfall late on Wednesday with winds up to 56mph. Tens and thousands of people have had to leave their homes as rainfall of up to 200mm is predicted in some areas, which will lead to flash floods.

Trilateral National Security Adviser meeting led by accused Sri Lankan war criminals

The fourth trilateral National Security was held in Colombo on the 28 November and led by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, as well as accused war criminals, Kamal Gunaratne, now Defence Secretary, and Shavendra Silva, head of Sri Lanka’s army.

The trilateral National Security Adviser meeting discussed issues of Maritime Security Cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, whilst also inviting observers from the Seychelles and Mauritius.