News

Jaffna discussion scrutinises draft ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism’ bill

Jan 26

An open public discussion examining the draft “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA)” was held last week, at the Thanthai Chelva Auditorium in Jaffna, amid growing concern over the Sri Lankan government’s proposed replacement for the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Northern Province Governor urges Japan support for healthcare and waste management

The Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vedanayagam, has called on the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to extend its support towards strengthening healthcare services and improving waste management across the province.

Local council rejects Sri Lanka Cricket bid for Mandaitivu land amid stadium expansion plans

The Chairman of the Velanai Pradeshiya Sabha, Sivalingam Ashokkumar, has stated that no permission can be granted to acquire land belonging to the Pradeshiya Sabha for the construction of luxury hotels or other ancillary facilities linked to the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium.

Jaffna exhibition commemorates LTTE commander Colonel Kittu

An exhibition commemorating Colonel Kittu, one of the most prominent senior leaders of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, was held in Jaffna this week.

UK government questioned in Parliament on justice for Tamils

The British government was questioned in Parliament this week on what action it is taking to support Tamils seeking justice for past and ongoing abuses in Sri Lanka.

Human Rights Watch says international community ‘need to do more’ for accountability in Sri Lanka

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on foreign governments to promote accountability in Sri Lanka through targeted sanctions, criminal investigations, and prosecutions, in the wake of a new report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

'Old world order is not coming back' - Carney calls for middle power unity at Davos

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the global order that shaped international politics for decades “is not coming back”, urging “middle powers” to act collectively as great power rivalry intensifies.

Protest in Jaffna demands release of long-overdue housing scheme payments

A demonstration was held in Jaffna, in front of the Northern Provincial Governor’s Office, with residents demanding the immediate release of housing scheme payments that have remained unpaid for years.

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe states leaders must protect Buddhism

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that rulers of Sri Lanka are obligated to safeguard Buddhism and that neglecting the priority status granted to Buddhism in the constitution represents a "violation of the country's supreme law".

Sinhala Buddhist monk urges deeper colonisation of Tamil homeland

A Sinhala Buddhist monk has issued a call for increased intervention in the North-East, urging religious leaders to act against what he described as a loss of Buddhist symbols in the region, in remarks that openly promote further colonisation of the Tamil homeland.

Court orders removal of floodwater at Chemmani mass grave excavation site

The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has ordered the supervised removal of stagnant floodwater from the Chemmani mass grave excavation site, following concerns that inundation has stalled ongoing investigations.

Sri Lankan Police question local chairman after removal of ‘Kandarodai Vihara’ sign in Jaffna

Sri Lankan Police record statement from Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman over removal of ‘Kandarodai Vihara’ signboard in Jaffna

Syrian government and SDF forces agree on four-day ceasefire

The Syrian government has announced a four-day ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the army continued to seize territory in the country’s northeast.