The Sri Lankan army has extended their general amnesty period for 10 more days, announced the military, allowing those who deserted to return and discharge officially.

"There are indications that abduction, arbitrary detention, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence have increased in the post-war period. Notably, Tamil women and girls have reported sexual abuse in the context of the ongoing militarization of their areas of residence."

The Tamil National Alliance MP P Selvarajah says unlawful arrests were still continuing in the Eastern Province and warned that the people would teach the new government a lesson if this continued, Ceylon Today reported.

The chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils said he prayed “for a new dawn for the Tamil people”, with the expected release of a UN report on mass atrocities committed against Tamils by the Sri Lankan armed forces later this year.

In a message marking the Tamil new year, Member of Parliament Lee Scott sent his wishes to the Tamil community, adding that,

“This is a wonderful time of celebration and gives us the opportunity to reflect on the enormous contribution British Tamils have made to the economy and culture of Britain borne of strong commitment to family and social responsibility.

Mr Scott went on to state,

“I also pray for a new dawn for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and the victims of war crimes and mass atrocities who suffered enormously and continue to endure extreme hardship, with the release of the UNHRC war crimes report." 

The Sri Lankan military has built army camps on residential land that was reportedly released to displaced Tamils in Jaffna, reports Uthayan.

Sri Lanka's military held several event's in the Vanni to 'celebrate' Tamil and Sinhala New Year, with civilians, including children, invited to take part.

The 66th and 663rd Brigades of the Security Forces Headquarters in Kilinochchi held an event each in Pooneryn (Poonakari) on the 8th and 10th of April. Major General A.P. De Z Wickramaratne, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 66 Division was chief guest at both events. 

Famous Sinhala singers from the south graced the event in the Kiranchi playground, in the virtually exclusively Tamil town.

The British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland stated the Sri Lankan government will be “judged on their actions”, as she pledged support for the British Tamil community and called on Sri Lanka to co-operate with a UN investigation into the mass killings of Tamils.

“A huge tragedy unfolded in the closing days of the military conflict in Sri Lanka,” said Theresa Villiers. “A UN Report concluded that 70,000 civilians were killed in the final phase of the war and it has been estimated that nearly 150,000 still remain unaccounted for. The total loss of the life during the war will of course have been much greater.”

Calling on the Sri Lankan government to co-operate with the recently deferred UN investigation, Ms Villiers said,

“I welcome the undertakings the new President has given to lead a more democratic and accountable government, but his administration will be judged on their actions in delivering on these promises. We cannot yet tell whether this change of Government will lead to real and lasting change in Sri Lanka.”