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Vision of Hope

The question remains as to whether Tamils will be brave and prepared to move on from the past violent years of suffering >> more
..... Ancient Indus Civilisation
Call for Submissions
OHCHR Investigation on
Sri Lanka
Individuals, organisations and governments are invited to submit information

On abuses of human rights and related crimes
From 21/2/2002 until 15/11/2011

Submissions must be
By 30 October 2014!
Tamil Eelam Freedom Charter
The creation of an independent and sovereign State of Tamil Eelam remains the only viable option to lead a life with security, dignity and equality, both individually and collectively.


"There are legitimate issues raised by the Tamil community and they have a legitimate desire to control their own lives, to rule their own destinies, and to govern themselves in their homeland.''

U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher


Have No Fear !

Those who would deny the Tamils their rights use the language of terrorism to demonise and discredit our legitimate grievances

Sri Lanka
"Indeed, it is an enduring scandal that there have been virtually no convictions of government officials for killing Tamils, and many Tamils doubt that the rule of law will protect their lives."

United Nations

Tamil Declaration for Self Determination
Vaddukoddai Resolution-1976

Tamil Eelam
Demand in International Law
The UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (G.A Resolution 2200 of 1966) in Article 1 states: "All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development."



1918 - 2005

'Dedication to
CJT Thamotheram
Late Patron'




  :: News
AI: Keep Victims at the Centre of Justice, Truth and Reparation Efforts
[ Amnesty International ] [ 30 Sep 2016 02:03 GMT ]

Public consultations, the bedrock on which Sri Lanka’s transitional justice process must be built, are underway. [Full Report PDF]

Political justice is not enough to rebuild Sri Lanka
[ Reuters ] [ 29 Sep 2016 02:14 GMT ]

The politics were rooted in economic and social disenfranchisement of the Tamil minority by the Sinhala majority. [Full Story]

Tamils stage protest to highlight issues in Sri Lanka
[ Deccan Herald ] [ 28 Sep 2016 00:34 GMT ]

"The TNA pledged Tamils a federal solution at the last election. So the Tamils can be only happy with a federal solution by merging the north and east," [Full Story]

Book Review: A Long Watch – War, Captivity and Return in Sri Lanka
[ DNA ] [ 27 Sep 2016 01:27 GMT ]

It eschews the majoritarian bias that vitiated the island nation's politics, society and vital institutions, the armed forces and media. [Full Story]

No room for another ethnic war: Lanka president tells UNGA
[ Business Standard ] [ 26 Sep 2016 00:41 GMT ]

There will not be a repeat of the ethnic war with Tamils. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka’s President Misses an Opportunity at the UN
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 25 Sep 2016 19:11 GMT ]

Let’s not forget that Colombo continues to drag its feet on a host of war-related issues. [Full Story]

Stateless Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka
[ Governance Now ] [ 24 Sep 2016 02:34 GMT ]

The condition at all the refugee camps is pathetic. [Full Story]

Travails of a war-torn people
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 Sep 2016 02:42 GMT ]

The need of the hour is a movement for social justice combining calls to address the grievances of minorities with demands for decent economic life for the citizenry at large. [Full Story]

EU advised to drop Hamas and Tamil Tigers from terror list
[ BBC ] [ 22 Sep 2016 12:41 GMT ]

She found that the Council incorrectly relied on judgements made by governments without checking that they had the same human rights as the EU. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Fleeing Tamils
[ World Policy ] [ 21 Sep 2016 04:24 GMT ]

Fear or experience of severe persecution, in addition to a de facto military occupation in the northern, predominantly Tamil parts of Sri Lanka, appear to be key push factors in the latest waves of emigration. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Tamil Body Meet with US Bureaucrats
[ SL Guardian ] [ 20 Sep 2016 02:01 GMT ]

Discussions included ground realities today in Sri Lanka, particularly in relation to the North and East. [Full Story]

India and Sri Lanka in Antiquity
[ The Diplomat ] [ 19 Sep 2016 02:11 GMT ]

Geographic proximity meant that the histories of India and Sri Lanka were intertwined. [Full Story]

Justice and accountability for war related sexual violence in Sri Lanka
[ Open Democracy ] [ 18 Sep 2016 00:25 GMT ]

Pursuing justice for sexual violence in local contexts such as Sri Lanka is still fraught with challenges. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Is Transitional Justice in Trouble?
[ The Diplomat ] [ 17 Sep 2016 02:05 GMT ]

For Sri Lanka’s transitional justice process, the coming months are crucial. [Full Story]

‘The Story of A Brief Marriage’ Imagines the Life of Persecuted Tamils in Sri Lanka
[ The Wire ] [ 16 Sep 2016 04:09 GMT ]

The Story of a Brief Marriage asks if life is worth the misery of living. [Full Story]

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION: VOICES OF THE AFFECTED
[ Sri Lanka Briefing Notes ] [ 15 Sep 2016 05:22 GMT ]

Many issues are unresolved and demand the Government’s attention. [Full Story]

Mama's Boys: An irreverent take on India's Mahabharat
[ BBC ] [ 14 Sep 2016 03:47 GMT ]

Mahabharat, created more than 2,000 years ago, is a complex story of the mythological Kurukshetra war. [Full Story]

Revealed: Incredible loophole that means 135 war crime suspects are living freely in the UK
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 13 Sep 2016 02:28 GMT ]

‘If there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a person here has been involved in acts of torture, war crimes or even genocide in a foreign country then surely the Home Office must be alerting the police and prosecution authorities who have a duty to act. [Full Story]

Tamil Political Prisoners in Sri Lanka: A Road to Nowhere?
[ Lawfare ] [ 12 Sep 2016 00:03 GMT ]

Colombo’s failure to act more decisively on political prisoners is unjust, calls into question its commitment to transitional justice, and illustrates that Sri Lanka is far from a clear-cut success story. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan orphans saved by the Missionaries of Charity celebrate the Mother
[ Herald Malaysia ] [ 11 Sep 2016 02:22 GMT ]

The Missionaries of Charity live in the ‘Home of peace’, which takes in the sick, the disabled and orphans. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka ‘lacks political will to establish transitional justice’
[ JDS ] [ 10 Sep 2016 00:25 GMT ]

A transitional justice process for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka was adopted by the UN human rights commission in Geneva last year. [Full Story]

"FITTING THE BILL": Incorporating International Crimes into Sri Lankan Law
[ The South Asian Centre for Legal Studies ] [ 09 Sep 2016 03:02 GMT ]

Domestic crimes are fundamentally ill suited to deal with wartime abuses and violations that occurred as a result of the conduct of hostilities. [Full Report PDF]

More Worries Over Sri Lanka’s Transitional Justice Process
[ The Diplomat ] [ 08 Sep 2016 01:07 GMT ]

Sri Lanka’s incipient transitional justice process is deeply flawed. [Full Story]

Tracing War Missing Still a Dangerous Quest in Sri Lanka
[ IPS News ] [ 07 Sep 2016 04:48 GMT ]

Those doing the tracing on the ground say that they still face intimidation and threats while doing their work. [Full Story]

Tamil peoples' council plans mass protest against installation of Buddha statues in Tamil areas
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 06 Sep 2016 02:56 GMT ]

The demonstrations will ask foreign powers, particularly India and the US, to mount pressure on the Sri Lankan government to meet the longstanding demands of the Tamils. [Full Story]

UN chief says Sri Lanka killings prompted self-scrutiny
[ The Boston Herald ] [ 05 Sep 2016 03:18 GMT ]

Since the end of Sri Lanka's civil war, Ban has been proactive in calling for accountability for rights violations. [Full Story]

U.N. chief urges Sri Lanka to redress wrongs of war
[ Reuters ] [ 04 Sep 2016 00:02 GMT ]

"But more can and should be done to address the legacy of the past and acknowledge the voices of the victims," he told a gathering in Colombo. [Full Story]

UN chief Ban Ki-moon asks Sri Lanka to speed up return of land to Tamils
[ First Post ] [ 03 Sep 2016 00:03 GMT ]

There should be more momentum to ensure lasting peace, seven years after the 37-year civil war ended. [Full Story]

A New Truth Commission for Sri Lanka: Lessons from Other Models
[ Diplomatic Courier ] [ 02 Sep 2016 02:06 GMT ]

Providing remedy for infringed-upon human rights has become one of the fundamental means of realizing the massive framework of human rights developed over the past century. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Still Counting the Wounds
[ The Indian Express ] [ 01 Sep 2016 00:05 GMT ]

Scholars argue that the sprouting of Buddhist shrines and icons in the north will inevitably be seen as cultural colonisation and will hamper reconciliation efforts. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's war-battered Tamils pin hopes on UN visit
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 31 Aug 2016 11:10 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's army has occupied thousands of hectares in the Jaffna peninsula - the heartland of the country's Tamil minority. [Full Story]

Tamils want devolution, not separation: Lanka oppostion leader
[ India Today ] [ 30 Aug 2016 03:04 GMT ]

"All political parties have joined in to make a new constitution. We expect the new constitution to give us solutions," Sampanthan said. [Full Story]

Caught by the tiger
[ The Hindu ] [ 29 Aug 2016 02:07 GMT ]

Engaging not only for its thrilling description about war, captivity and freedom, but also for its moral courage in imagining the possible future of a reconciled republic. [Full Story]

Why Sri Lanka Doesn't Trust the UN
[ The Diplomat ] [ 28 Aug 2016 00:15 GMT ]

Supranational bodies shall have the authority to take decisive action on matters of human rights if a state party is either unable or unwilling to promote, protect, incorporate, and disseminate international human rights principles. [Full Story]

Corruption, assassination and war crimes: A dream of reconciliation for Sri Lanka
[ ABC News ] [ 27 Aug 2016 01:17 GMT ]

"Without a foreign presence it's very hard to see how people will feel safe to participate and how the government is going to be able to deliver fair and just outcomes and a just process, given the track record it has. [Full Story]

THE LONG SHADOW OF WAR - The Struggle For Justice In Postwar Sri Lanka
[ The Oakland Institute ] [ 26 Aug 2016 00:44 GMT ]

We want to especially acknowledge people who met with us and shared their tragic experiences despite living in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the politically charged environment. [Full Story PDF]

Lanka opposition leader seeks Tamil prisoners' release
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 25 Aug 2016 03:09 GMT ]

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R Sampanthan accused the Maithripala Sirisena-led government of not acting promptly since coming to power. [Full Story]

North Sri Lankan CM Wigneswaran boycotts Investment Forum organized by Governor
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 24 Aug 2016 02:45 GMT ]

He said that the elected representatives of the people of the Northern Province ought to have been consulted on the needs of the province before inviting investors. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Justice Has No Place for ‘Accountable Amnesties’
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 23 Aug 2016 05:17 GMT ]

The thousands of victims of abuses and their families from all sides in Sri Lanka’s war should not be left out of the accountability process. [Full Story]

'Sri Lankan refugees living in inhuman conditions
[ The Times of India ] [ 22 Aug 2016 03:12 GMT ]

It is unfortunate that the country's promise to rehabilitate the Tamil refugee families are yet to be implemented even after three decades. [Full Story]

'Colombo has done nothing to help Tamil war widows'
[ The Times of India ] [ 21 Aug 2016 00:05 GMT ]

The Sangam - 4 founder Jageth Gaspar said, "After the war that ended in May 2009, the livelihood of Tamils, especially women, have become a big question mark. [Full Story]

Diaspora must join reconstruction efforts, say Sri Lankan Tamil MPs
[ The Hindu ] [ 20 Aug 2016 02:14 GMT ]

Tamils living in the North and East of Sri Lanka were not politically empowered now to bring about economic transformation in the war-torn region and look up to Tamils living elsewhere. [Full Story]

Defeat of triumphalism
[ The Hans India ] [ 19 Aug 2016 01:33 GMT ]

The Tamil factor must top the many reasons for Rajapaksa's defeat. [Full Story]

A single that is an ode to Sri Lankan Tamils
[ The Times of India ] [ 18 Aug 2016 04:29 GMT ]

This song is an ode to the Tamil language and has special emphasis on the Sri Lankan Tamil community. [Full Story]

Much to be done says US ambassador after visit to Jaffna
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 17 Aug 2016 02:01 GMT ]

“This will be difficult but it is necessary, and it is for the good of all Sri Lankans and for the happiness of all of her people,” he added.
[US Embassy Report]

Sri Lanka parliament endorses office to trace wartime missing
[ Reuters ] [ 16 Aug 2016 00:05 GMT ]

"We have brought this to correct the past mistakes in the history," Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera presenting the bill told the parliament. [Full Story]

Impunity Reigns In Sri Lanka's August 14, 2006 Bombing Of Schoolgirls
[ Forbes ] [ 15 Aug 2016 01:01 GMT ]

We are no closer to getting justice for these girls or the other tens of thousands of Tamil war victims. [Full Story]

Sencholai massacre: 10 years on, no justice
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Aug 2016 01:54 GMT ]

Tamils around the world today remember the 10th anniversary of the massacre of 53 school girls. [Full Story]

Political And Legal Confusion Hampers Release Of Tamil Prisoners
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 13 Aug 2016 04:02 GMT ]

The reason for tardiness in the matter of releasing these prisoners appears to be political and legal confusion besides the failure on the part of the government to implement its promise to the UN Human Rights Council. [Full Story]

Accepting Tamils 30 years ago changed Canada
[ Toronto Star ] [ 12 Aug 2016 00:17 GMT ]

Canada must do more to help those in dire need. [Full Story]

Locarno: Sri Lanka’s Sivakumaran Pitches ‘House,’ Preps ‘Shadows’
[ Yahoo ] [ 11 Aug 2016 00:05 GMT ]

A vision of a post-conflict society in Sri Lanka, the film’s major issue, she wrote for the Open Doors brochure, is “how we deal with memory as a post-conflict society. [Full Story]

Where chef Johnne Phinehas eats Sri Lankan food in the burbs
[ Toronto Life ] [ 10 Aug 2016 05:10 GMT ]

'The war tore apart the province - everyone started to evacuate,' [Full Story]

Christians urge Sri Lanka to adopt a secular constitution
[ UCA News ] [ 09 Aug 2016 02:35 GMT ]

"The constitution should promote harmony and co-existence amongst different religious communities," [Full Story]

Would international community adopt "hands off" policy towards Sri Lanka?
[ The Hindu ] [ 08 Aug 2016 02:58 GMT ]

The pressure from outside will only compel the government to move towards issues concerning the ascertainment of truth, accountability and reparations. [Full Story]

Accountability must be addressed before framing new constitution, says Wigneswaran
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 07 Aug 2016 05:05 GMT ]

The constitution planned by the government will not be drafted to the Tamils’ satisfaction unless accountability issues were satisfactorily addressed prior to that. [Full Story]

Many in diaspora approve Liberal push for reconciliation in scarred Sri Lanka
[ Metro News ] [ 06 Aug 2016 03:07 GMT ]

"It's very important for Sri Lanka to come to terms with the brutal war that took place and bring accountability. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka’s missing people - Refusing to give up hope
[ The Economist ] [ 05 Aug 2016 05:32 GMT ]

It urged the government to determine the fate of the disappeared; to punish those responsible; and to guarantee truth and reparation. [Full Story]

Tamils for Clinton Congratulates Hillary Clinton and Urges Everyone to Support Her
[ EIN ] [ 04 Aug 2016 00:02 GMT ]

Tamils for Clinton also fondly remembered her visiting the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in India Ms. Selvi Jeyalalithaa to discuss the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Singapore looks to Jaffna as it signs trade agreements with Colombo
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 03 Aug 2016 01:37 GMT ]

The country’s deep cultural links with the Tamil people have been particularly longstanding. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: 10 Years Since Aid Worker Massacre
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 02 Aug 2016 00:05 GMT ]

Sri Lankan authorities have not brought to justice those responsible for the execution-style slaying of 17 aid workers a decade ago this week. [Full Story]

Sangam IV to feature global Tamil dialogue
[ The Hindu ] [ 01 Aug 2016 00:12 GMT ]

Fr. Jegath Gaspar Raj, founder, said that the Sangam 4, in its third edition, would be a 10-day festival, starting from August 12. [Full Story]

July 1983: Betrayal Of The Absolute Right To Justice
[ CT ] [ 31 July 2016 01:22 GMT ]

The crimes committed in 1983 and the denial of justice thereafter goes beyond the limits of common sense. [Full Story]

On Rights and Justice: Some Perspective from Colombo
[ Huffington Post ] [ 30 July 2016 02:18 GMT ]

The positive progress is politically symbolic and matters a lot to ordinary people in their daily lives. But overall, progress has been too little and painfully slow. [Full Story]

Human Rights Priority Country update report: January to June 2016
[ Foreign & Commonwealth Office UK ] [ 29 July 2016 00:05 GMT ]

Much remains to be done for Sri Lanka to fulfil the commitments made in Resolution 30/1 at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in October 2015. [Full Story]

Black July – Setting The Record Straight
[ CT ] [ 28 July 2016 03:59 GMT ]

One that happened in 2009 intended actually to finish off, on a mass scale, the Tamil race in the island. [Full Story]

ICRC presses Sri Lanka on fate of 16,000 war missing
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 27 July 2016 01:15 GMT ]

The Geneva-based organisation released a 14-month survey conducted across Sri Lanka showing thousands of mainly ethnic Tamils were still searching for their loved ones. [Full Story]

What’s Touted As Tamil King Elara’s Tomb Is A Fable, Says Historian
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 26 July 2016 02:33 GMT ]

Elala ruled the Anuradhapura area in 2nd.Century BC (205 to 161 BC). [Full Story]

Canada, U.K. renew calls for reconciliation in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 25 July 2016 02:01 GMT ]

Canada and the United Kingdom, both known for having a significant number of Tamil diaspora, have renewed their call to Sri Lanka to fulfill commitments on human rights and democracy. [Full Story]

US Commends Sri Lanka's Reconciliation Measures
[ Voice of America ] [ 24 July 2016 01:02 GMT ]

According to U.N. estimates, up to 100,000 people were killed in the 26-year war, but many more are feared dead, including up to 40,000 civilians in the final months of the fighting. [Full Story]

EU links aid to reconciliation in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 July 2016 03:05 GMT ]

The European Union (EU), one of leading trading partners of Sri Lanka, has urged the latter to include reconciliation and good governance under its €210-million development programme. [Full Story]

How Rajinikanth and Kabali mania swept India
[ BBC ] [ 22 July 2016 13:12 GMT ]

A group of Japanese fans have flown all the way to Chennai to catch the "first day first show" of the movie. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Cultural dance ends in uncultured behaviour
[ SL Guardian ] [ 21 July 2016 00:33 GMT ]

The fact that the Science Faculty in its entirety functions in English has made it more conducive for students of all races to fit in. [Full Story]

A Photographic Journey Into The Survival Of The Tamils
[ New Matilda ] [ 20 July 2016 03:01 GMT ]

One day my community will build an Eelam Tamil genocide museum. [Full Story]

Book review: Ruins is a haunting debut about family secrets and Sri Lanka’s civil war
[ South China Morning Post ] [ 19 July 2016 01:58 GMT ]

It rolls along effortlessly, pulling together centuries of history, tradition and the residual traumas of war, poverty and loneliness. [Full Story]

95 pc of Lankan Tamils Want Federal Constitution, Says Government Panel Member
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 18 July 2016 02:47 GMT ]

There is a thirst for devolution in all Sri Lankan provinces and not just in the minorities‘ dominated Northern and Eastern Provinces. [Full Story]

US acknowledges complications in Sri Lanka war crimes investigation
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 17 July 2016 05:41 GMT ]

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski said international participation in a special court had been emphasised because of "an erosion in the confidence" in Sri Lanka's courts over the years. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Tamils raise concerns over release of political prisoners
[ The Indian Express ] [ 16 July 2016 04:42 GMT ]

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) sources said they met Biswal and discussed the issue of political prisoners and release of lands in the Tamil-dominated north. [Full Story]

When Mirrors Are Windows
[ Oxford University Press ] [ 15 July 2016 02:29 GMT ]

Scholarly writings sourced from the A.K. Ramanujan Papers archived at the University of Chicago - are studied to illuminate the influence of classical Tamil, medieval bhakti, and oral folk aesthetics and literature on his work. [Full Story]

Tamil is Classical, Classic and Cool!
[ The Quint ] [ 14 July 2016 00:49 GMT ]

The era of Classical Tamil (300 BC - 300 AD). [Full Story]

Call For Sri Lankan Army To Release Record Of War ‘Surrendees’
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 13 July 2016 04:05 GMT ]

It has been almost 7 years since the conclusion of Sri Lanka’s civil war and there are still many questions that remain unanswered. [Full Story]

Marie Colvin's family sues Syria over death in Homs
[ BBC ] [ 12 July 2016 01:28 GMT ]

Relatives say they have evidence that she was murdered as part of a policy of deliberately killing journalists. [Full Story]

Thirteen thousand people attend Tamil pilgrimage at Walsingham
[ Eastern Daily Press ] [ 11 July 2016 07:55 GMT ]

People from Sri Lanka and southern India, living Britain, attended the annual Tamil Two pilgrimage at the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, at Little Walsingham, near Fakenham. [Full Story]

Global Tamil Forum Calls for More Progress in Sri Lanka
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 10 July 2016 04:58 GMT ]

Over the next nine months, Colombo needs to do much more. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka must stay the course
[ The Hindu ] [ 09 July 2016 02:45 GMT ]

Having set in motion the process for a new Constitution and measures for reconciliation and reform, any loss of momentum now on the part of the government will result in a loss of credibility. [Full Story]

Five Outstanding Women Writers from Sri Lanka
[ Desiblitz ] [ 08 July 2016 03:11 GMT ]

The Cry of the Kite is a collection of profound poetic statements of Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka which describes the modernisation and the rapid decay of lives. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka says it will create court to probe war abuses
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 07 July 2016 02:07 GMT ]

Last year, the U.N. Human Rights Council adopted a consensus resolution in which Sri Lanka agreed to an investigation with foreign participation. [Full Story]

Is Sri Lanka on the path to reconciliation?
[ Aljazeera ] [ 06 July 2016 04:42 GMT ]

So what's hampering Sri Lanka's efforts to bring reforms and justice? [Full Story]

Report on Public Representations on Constitutional Reform
[ PRC ] [ 05 July 2016 00:02 GMT ]

We were appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers for receiving public representations on constitutional reform to support the constitutional reform process. [Full Story PDF]

More needs to be done, West tells Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 04 July 2016 03:49 GMT ]

The government should "continue taking steps" to build the confidence of communities and normalise life in the Northern and Eastern provinces. [Full Story]

Support our journey with patience says Sri Lanka at UNHRC
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 03 July 2016 02:44 GMT ]

“What we have achieved so far since January 2015 may seem like baby steps for some, but for us they are giant leaps.” [Full Story]

Sri Lanka government consulted us on OMP bill: TNA
[ The Hindu ] [ 02 July 2016 05:10 GMT ]

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on Friday acknowledged that the Sri Lanka government had consulted the alliance during the preparation of the draft bill on the Office on Missing Persons (OMP). [Full Story]

Human Rights council discusses human rights situation in Sri Lanka and Myanmar
[ OHCHR ] [ 01 July 2016 14:35 GMT ]

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein present an oral update on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

U.N. Urges Sri Lanka to Speed Up War Reconciliation
[ The Wall Street Journal ] [ 30 June 2016 00:02 GMT ]

Sri Lanka must accelerate a judicial process to assess allegations of war crimes as it seeks reconciliation following its 27-year civil war. [Full Story]

Closing window of opportunity in Sri Lanka warns Pasumai Thaayagam
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 29 June 2016 02:55 GMT ]

Sri Lanka’s window of opportunity for reconciliation will close if it fails to act on accountability and militarisation. [Full Story]

U.N. urges Sri Lanka to rein in military, prosecute war crimes
[ Reuters ] [ 28 June 2016 13:54 GMT ]

"The early momentum established in investigating emblematic cases must be sustained. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka wants the world to forget about justice for war victims. Please don't
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 27 June 2016 07:49 GMT ]

With the Sri Lankan government winding back commitments to reconciliation and justice measures, it’s up to the international community to hold them to account. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan families hold out hope against the cruel sea
[ The Australian ] [ 26 June 2016 04:05 GMT ]

The ones who left from India had no real chance of being assessed as refugees. [Full Story]

Trust Takes Years To Build, Seconds To Break, Forever To Repair
[ CT ] [ 25 June 2016 10:42 GMT ]

Tamils believed that the occupied lands will all be released to lawful owners within months, resettlement of internally displaced people would be prioritised, political prisoners will be released. [Full Story]

Brexit: David Cameron to quit after UK votes to leave EU
[ BBC ] [ 24 June 2016 11:51 GMT ]

The EU referendum has revealed an ancient, jagged fault line across the United Kingdom. [Full Story]

Accountability crucial to preventing future crimes against humanity
[ OSCE ] [ 23 June 2016 02:40 GMT ]

We committed ourselves, inter alia, to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware they are individually accountable under national and international law for their actions." [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Broken promises again at the UN?
[ Asian Correspondent ] [ 22 June 2016 00:10 GMT ]

The international community should insist on course correction by Colombo through both a strong oral update by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights later this month and by the co-sponsors of Resolution 30/1. [Full Story]

Cluster bombs used in Sri Lanka's civil war, leaked photos suggest
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 21 June 2016 05:55 GMT ]

Government forces are accused of relentlessly shelling the zones, leading to up to 70,000 deaths. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka’s 65,000 Disappeared: Will the Latest Missing Persons’ Office Bring Answers?
[ The Wire ] [ 20 June 2016 00:03 GMT ]

Successive government have set up many bodies to address disappearances, and families of the disappeared and activists have engaged with them. But truth, justice and reparations have been elusive. [Full Story]

Speech by M.A. Sumanthiran – Congressional caucus briefing 14th June 2015
[ TWG ] [ 19 June 2016 02:28 GMT ]

We are concerned as much as people are, with regard to this particular issue, wondering if the Government is shifting its stance. [Full Story PDF]

Culture of fear lingers in war-traumatized Sri Lanka
[ THE JAPAN TIMES ] [ 18 June 2016 11:07 GMT ]

Under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, countless more were subjected to lengthy jail time in horrific conditions, often involving torture and sexual abuse by their jailers. [Full Story]

Impunity and Justice: Why the UN Human Rights Council Must Stay Engaged in Sri Lanka
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 17 June 2016 12:01 GMT ]

What all of Sri Lanka’s communities need and deserve now are tangible changes in legislation and concrete implementation of its international promises and obligations on the ground. [Full Story]

Indonesia should allow dozens of Tamil asylum-seekers stranded off coast to disembark
[ Amnesty International ] [ 16 June 2016 02:08 GMT ]

Sri Lanka had seen a spate of arrests of Tamils under the country’s Prevention of Terrorism Act. [Full Story]

New Report Details Abuses Against Sri Lankan Tamils
[ The Diplomat ] [ 15 June 2016 00:02 GMT ]

The coalition government needs to do much more – and soon. [Full Story]

60 years after June 5, 1956:The making, unmaking and the difficult remaking of a nation
[ SL Guardian ] [ 14 June 2016 06:22 GMT ]

When political problems are not resolved with the promptness they deserve, new symptoms and priorities emerge and require different approaches and treatments. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Enforce Commission Directives on Terror Detainees
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 13 June 2016 05:51 GMT ]

The government has still not put forward a plan to provide redress for those unjustly detained under the PTA, or addressed the issue of detainees charged and prosecuted solely on the basis of coerced confessions obtained during detention. [Full Story]

Keeping the Pressure on Sri Lanka
[ The Wall Street Journal ] [ 12 June 2016 04:05 GMT ]

After a spark of optimism with the new Sirisena government, progress on reforms has stalled. [Full Story]

British Tamil 'tortured and detained' during Sri Lanka wedding trip
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 11 June 2016 02:18 GMT ]

The UK government is not doing enough to confront the Sri Lankan authorities about these claims.' [Full Story]

The ignored plight of Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu
[ India Today ] [ 10 June 2016 02:18 GMT ]

Our life here is much worse than that in the war zone that we fled,' [Full Story]

A tale of two languages
[ The Himal Southasia ] [ 09 June 2016 05:29 GMT ]

Will the new Constitution mend the deep scars left behind after the conflict? [Full Story]

Sri Lanka to recognise around 65,000 people missing since civil war as dead
[ The Hindustan Times ] [ 08 June 2016 00:05 GMT ]

Huge numbers of minority Tamils went missing during almost four decades of war after being arrested by security services, while thousands more died in military bombardments. [Full Story]

Fr. Jim Brown and Mr. Vimalathas: Five years after disappearance, where are they and what has happened to the investigation?
[ GV ] [ 07 June 2016 03:47 GMT ]

Can we really have reconciliation without acknowledging what has happened to Fr. Jim Brown and Vimalathas and the thousands like them? [Full Story]

The scars of Sri Lanka's civil war
[ Aljazeera ] [ 06 June 2016 15:01 GMT ]

If we are to succeed, we need to enact a system that is fair and humane." [Full Story]

Seven years after end of civil war, Sri Lanka treads cautiously on path to peace
[ South China Morning Post ] [ 05 June 2016 05:05 GMT ]

For minority Tamils, the government’s pledges of post-war truth and reconciliation ring false. [Full Story]

Maithripala Sirisena Could be "Sri Lanka's Mandela" ...Really?
[ Huffington Post ] [ 04 June 2016 04:05 GMT ]

The road to deeper reform has been a rocky one. [Full Story]

Keep the Promise: Monitoring the Government of Sri Lanka's Commitments for Achieving Justice and Reconciliation
[ The Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 03 June 2016 02:14 GMT ]

They suggest that not enough is being done to lay the foundations for a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka and avert yet another cycle of conflict. [Full Story]

US accused of turning a blind eye on Sri Lanka's 'back-pedalling'
[ JDS ] [ 02 June 2016 03:50 GMT ]

Its latest report largely illustrating the plight of internally displaced (IDP) tens of thousands of Tamils in Sri Lanka's war torn north, seven years after the government declared an end to the war. [Full Story]

NPC urges North-East federal state with land and police powers
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 01 June 2016 00:04 GMT ]

The Northern Provincial Council urged a federal state structure of two broad linguistic states, including the Sinhala speaking states of 7 provinces and a Tamil speaking North-Eastern state parliament with full land and police powers. [Full Story]

Tamils remain 'second-class citizens' in Sri Lanka
[ UCA News ] [ 31 May 2016 05:14 GMT ]

"Minorities are victims of this intolerant culture prevailing in Sri Lanka, directly or indirectly," [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Office of Missing Persons seeks 'disappeared'
[ BBC ] [ 30 May 2016 01:34 GMT ]

Relatives of missing persons have the right to know their whereabouts and the "truth about what happened" to their loved ones. [Full Story]

Community Mediated Justice in Post-War Sri Lanka
[ The Asia Foundation ] [ 29 May 2016 01:07 GMT ]

In such a sensitive post-war environment after decades of not being able to trust anyone, identifying trusted options for resolving such disputes is difficult. [Full Story]

Justice and Peace in Sri Lanka: Possibilities and Risks
[ PEARL ] [ 28 May 2016 02:11 GMT ]

The panel discussion will explore the possibilities and difficulties of justice and reform in post-war Sri Lanka and the roles the international community can play in hastening a secure and lasting peace. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Consultations Lacking on Missing Persons’ Office
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 27 May 2016 05:55 GMT ]

'The government should ensure communication, transparency, and dialogue in all its transitional justice mechanisms.' [Full Story]

Time to seize the moment in Sri Lanka
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 26 May 2016 01:50 GMT ]

There is no better place to start than by acknowledging the suffering and injustice experienced by all communities – and the equal right to remember and mourn. [Full Story]

Appraising Sri Lanka's Reform Agenda
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 25 May 2016 03:45 GMT ]

Many promises remain unfulfilled, including contentious issues pertaining to devolution of power and transitional justice. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Jumpstarting the Reform Process
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 24 May 2016 03:10 GMT ]

To rebuild confidence among Tamil communities in the north and east, the government must quickly release detainees and military-occupied land, begin credible inquiries into the fate of the disappeared, investigate and end abuses and repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. [Full Story]

Dr Brian Senewiratne honoured - Lifetime Commitment Award
[ TWG ] [ 23 May 2016 04:56 GMT ]

Dr. Senewiratne's international advocacy work and activism illustrates his dedicated and exemplary service to the cause of human rights, human dignity and social justice. [Full Story PDF]

Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war finally ended seven years ago. But moving on from the past is not easy
[ The Washington Post ] [ 22 May 2016 00:35 GMT ]

Under international law, the victims of atrocities have a right to truth and a right to justice, [Full Story]

Rebuilding Lives, and Homes, Shattered by Sri Lanka’s Civil War
[ The New York Times ] [ 21 May 2016 02:41 GMT ]

The United Nations estimates that around 40,000 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the battles that ended the war. [Full Story]

Beyond reconciliation and accountability: distributive justice and Sri Lanka's transitional agenda
[ Open Democracy ] [ 20 May 2016 01:25 GMT ]

If the transitional justice process in Sri Lanka ignores the indignities of poverty and everyday precariousness, can we really call it “justice”? [Full Story]

Live: I'm forever indebted to the people of TN, says Jayalalithaa
[ The HIndu ] [ 19 May 2016 14:40 GMT ]

The three-time Chief Minister will be the first person after MGR to be elected to two contiguous terms. [Full Story]

Prospects for reconciliation and development in Sri Lanka
[ UCA ] [ 18 May 2016 11:44 GMT ]

The seventh anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka's civil war falls on May 18, a date that is likely to once again polarize the island's society along ethnic lines. [Full Story]

Healing the wounds of war in Sri Lanka
[ New Straits Times ] [ 17 May 2016 05:55 GMT ]

The Sirisena administration is determined to foster lasting peace. [Full Story]

'Tamil issue pushed to margins as India, Lanka rework ties'
[ Times of India ] [ 16 May 2016 05:40 GMT ]

It had been New Delhi's endeavour to persuade the Sri Lankan government to accommodate Tamil aspirations by moving in the direction of a federal constitutional framework within a united Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka calls on Tamil expatriates to compromise
[ India Today ] [ 15 May 2016 02:33 GMT ]

The Tamils demand for federal system dates back to the days when Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, became independent of the British Rule in 1948. [Full Story]

Preventing Post-LTTE Violence in Sri Lanka
[ Economic and Political Weekly ] [ 14 May 2016 18:11 GMT ]

If political violence is to be averted, the state ought to provide a package of reforms that addresses the core grievances of the Tamil population. [Full Story]

Anti-corruption summit launches global plan to recover stolen assets
[ BBC ] [ 13 May 2016 00:02 GMT ]

The Global Forum for Asset Recovery will bring together governments and law enforcement agencies to discuss returning assets to Nigeria, Ukraine, Sri Lanka and Tunisia. [Full Story]

Can a New President Lead Sri Lanka Into an Era of Peace?
[ The New York Times ] [ 12 May 2016 03:52 GMT ]

Leaders of Sri Lanka have repeatedly promised a political solution to the ethnic strife that has caused heartache and bloodshed for much of its nearly 70-year history since independence. [Full Story]

Reconciliation still a long way off in Sri lanka
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 11 May 2016 05:55 GMT ]

Political considerations have a way of numbing the most sensitive conscience. [Full Story]

Tamils suffered genocide in Sri Lanka says British MP at parliamentary Mullivaikkal remembrance event
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 10 May 2016 23:56 GMT ]

Sri Lanka will not change without sustained pressure. [Full Story]

Torture Continues in Lanka Due to Weaknesses in Law: UN
[ Outlook ] [ 09 May 2016 04:11 GMT ]

He said the UN was encouraged by the positive steps taken by the government to uphold human rights values. [Full Story]

U.N. urges judiciary reforms in Sri Lanka to avoid delay in justice
[ Reuters ] [ 08 May 2016 01:15 GMT ]

"First scrap the PTA, eliminate prolonged detention without trial in various forms, establish mechanism for real judicial and prosecutorial control over police investigations and things along those lines," he said. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka’s path to peace
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 07 May 2016 02:57 GMT ]

For many in the north and east of Sri Lanka the conflict has not ended and structural violence continues to be a part of their daily lives. [Full Story]

Pope Francis castigates Europe in speech on solidarity
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 06 May 2016 13:17 GMT ]

“What has happened to you, the Europe of humanism, the champion of human rights, democracy and freedom?” [Full Story]

The 'promising' world of Tamil Nadu politics: From freebies to bans, here are some pre-poll pledges
[ First Post ] [ 05 May 2016 02:22 GMT ]

Political parties in Tamil Nadu have left no stone unturned in their attempt to please the voters. [Full Story]

Federal system not meant to divide Sri Lanka: Northern CM
[ The Indian Express ] [ 04 May 2016 01:19 GMT ]

The TNA hopes to submit the federal proposal when the draft for a new constitution is discussed in the national parliament. [Full Story]

What is World Press Freedom Day?
[ Voice of America ] [ 03 May 2016 11:58 GMT ]

Freedom of information is a fundamental human right, weighs the state of press freedom around the world. [Full Story]

UN experts on torture and the independence of the justice system in joint visit to Sri Lanka
[ UN Human Rights ] [ 02 May 2016 01:28 GMT ]

Sri Lanka is at a crucial moment in its history and we hope that our recommendations will contribute to setting out a path for the future. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: A Troubling Spate of Arrests Across the Northern and Eastern Provinces
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 01 May 2016 01:47 GMT ]

These dubious arrests under the guise of “national security” are eerily reminiscent of Rajapaksa’s reign. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan protest demands new probe of Tamil journalist's killing
[ First Post ] [ 30 Apr 2016 02:11 GMT ]

Dharmeratnam Sivaram was targeted because of uncompromising coverage of political and military matters. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan struggle to recover from the economic and emotional wounds of civil war
[ CNBC ] [ 29 Apr 2016 00:01 GMT ]

They're frustrated by what they see as a lack of progress and it's taken a heavy emotional toll. [Full Story]

TNA demands probe over ‘illegal occupation’ by Sri Lankan Army
[ The Hindu ] [ 28 Apr 2016 05:47 GMT ]

The incident comes in the backdrop of last week’s resolution in the TNA controlled northern provincial council to set up a federal Tamil government in the north. [Full Story]

Battle scars: Sri Lanka's north counts the cost of a 26-year war
[ CNBC ] [ 27 Apr 2016 10:02 GMT ]

Greater regional autonomy was a key request Tamil rebels made during wartime negotiations with Colombo. [Full Story]

The Inconvenient Truth about Sri Lanka’s North and East
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 26 Apr 2016 20:05 GMT ]

Failing to acknowledge the truth about what’s currently happening across the Northern and Eastern Provinces makes healing the wounds of war that much more difficult. [Full Story]

Foundation stone laid for the Indian Housing Project in Central and Uva Provinces
[ HCI ] [ 25 Apr 2016 02:55 GMT ]

As part of Government of India's commitment to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka, 4000 houses will be constructed in the Central and Uva Provinces as the third and final phase of the project. [Full Story]

‘They are asserting their rights in a peaceful and democratic manner’
[ The Times of India ] [ 24 Apr 2016 00:44 GMT ]

He feels that equal rights to Tamils under an autonomous state is the solution to the island nation's problem. [Full Story]

Lanka Tamil council backs federal solution
[ PTI ] [ 23 Apr 2016 02:33 GMT ]

The Tamil leadership has adopted a softer approach to give up on the separatist demand. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka, Lost in Transition
[ Foreign Affairs ] [ 22 Apr 2016 04:14 GMT ]

The country’s recent democratic gains are more modest than they might first appear. [Full Story]

Rampant militarisation across the North-East - Report
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 21 Apr 2016 03:02 GMT ]

“Sri Lanka’s continuing lack of progress on key issues such as accountability and demilitarization throws into question the government’s sincerity and political will to implement the pledges it has made,” [Full Story]

Post-war Sri Lanka
[ RisingKashmir ] [ 20 Apr 2016 01:55 GMT ]

Fundamental issues when left unaddressed can lead to violent uprising at any time. [Full Story]

PROJECT EXILE: CRITICIZING SRI LANKA WAR LEADS TO EXILE
[ Global Journalist ] [ 19 Apr 2016 04:50 GMT ]

There is progress, but there is a lot to be changed before journalists in the north feel they are free. [Full Story]

New government, old story: The ongoing persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka
[ Christian Today ] [ 18 Apr 2016 02:21 GMT ]

Churches and prayer groups have been forced to close. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Tamils Look for Federal Solution
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 17 Apr 2016 03:08 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party TNA is seeking a federal solution to resolve the long-pending issue of political independence for the counry's minority Tamil community. [Full Story]

Migrant crisis: Pope returns from Greece with 12 migrants
[ BBC ] [ 16 Apr 2016 14:26 GMT ]

He wanted to "draw the attention of the world to this grave humanitarian crisis". [Full Story]

Stand with Survivors
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 15 Apr 2016 02:17 GMT ]

The survivors of Sri Lanka’s civil war have been ignored for too long. [Full Story]

Aluth Avurudda and Puthandu 2016: David Cameron's message
[ 10 Downing Street ] [ 14 Apr 2016 05:02 GMT ]

I hope that this new year will bring communities closer together in helping to heal the wounds of the past. [Full Story]

Sampanthan calls for bonding between Tamil and Sinhala people at New Year's
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Apr 2016 00:02 GMT ]

"My hearty New Year wishes to all the Tamil and Sinhala people living across all parts of the world. [Full Story]

Treasures of the Indus - Of Gods and Men
[ BBC iPlayer ] [ 13 Apr 2016 00:33 GMT ]

In a journey across India's Tamil Nadu state, Sona Datta traces the development of the Hindu religion from its origins as an amalgamation of local faith traditions. [Video] [Full Story]

Better conditions for Sri Lankan tea workers, urges Caritas
[ UCA News ] [ 12 Apr 2016 04:33 GMT ]

A rise in wages and better housing is needed for marginalized workers and their families. [Full Story]

Sinhalese can live happily only if Tamils are happy: Lanka Prez
[ Business Standard ] [ 11 Apr 2016 00:05 GMT ]

Sirisena said the majority community must ensure Tamils and Muslims live in harmony in a way that all communities live happily in the country. [Full Story]

A bridge between TN and Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 10 Apr 2016 01:02 GMT ]

He belonged to a period when musicians from India and Sri Lanka regularly played in both the countries. [Full Story]

South and Central Asia: U.S. Policies and Priorities for 2016
[ U.S. State Department ] [ 09 Apr 2016 02:55 GMT ]

Sri Lanka deserves special attention as it continues to consolidate democratic gains in the past two elections and put the country on a path to reconciliation. [Full Story]

A bridge too far?
[ The Asian Age ] [ 08 Apr 2016 02:09 GMT ]

The DMK had pulled out in protest over India’s reticence over the wording of a UN resolution against Sri Lanka for alleged human rights violations during the 30-year long civil war. [Full Story]

Activists in an international system: pushing for change in Sri Lanka
[ Open Democracy ] [ 07 Apr 2016 04:01 GMT ]

It would be a mistake for our international friends to leave us now, especially after the long journey they have undertaken with us. [Full Story]

The thavil that united Tamils
[ The Hindu ] [ 06 Apr 2016 05:49 GMT ]

The first Tamil non-fiction film to win a National Award in 17 years. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka starts moves to grant Tamils more autonomy
[ AFP ] [ 05 Apr 2016 05:07 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's parliament Tuesday launched a process to draw up a new constitution aimed at preventing a return to ethnic war. [Full Story]

FREEDOM FROM TORTURE STATEMENT ON THE SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE FCO'S FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION OF ITS HUMAN RIGHTS WORK OVERSEAS
[ Freedom from Torture ] [ 04 Apr 2016 07:56 GMT ]

We are increasingly concerned that the UK government puts flying the flag for business over and above human rights. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Tamil torture victims reiterate call for international judges
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 03 Apr 2016 04:23 GMT ]

"They would like hybrid courts, where international judges and investigators come along with domestic authorities and look into these human rights violations," [Full Story]

Getting US Messaging About Sri Lanka's 'Democratic Transition' Right
[ The Diplomat ] [ 02 Apr 2016 02:45 GMT ]

The U.S. should maintain diplomatic pressure and emphasize that a deepening of bilateral ties will not happen until more progress is made. [Full Story]

Dheepan's Antonythasan Jesuthasan: from Tamil Tiger to star of a Palme d'Or winner
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 01 Apr 2016 05:20 GMT ]

'I didn't know real life in Sri Lanka. Just the war. And it has shaped everything. Still, I am at war. I always will be.' [Full Story]

'Encourage writers to promote Tamil language and literature'
[ The Hindu ] [ 31 Mar 2016 03:40 GMT ]

The authors and scholars should be honoured in their lifetime itself. [Full Story]

RISING FROM THE EMBERS: The Tamils of Sri Lanka are still stuck between a bloody past and hope
[ Quartz India ] [ 30 Mar 2016 00:25 GMT ]

Thousands of traumatised people, forced from their homes, remain in the internal displaced person camps without jobs, running water, or even the hope that they may one day return to their former homes. [Full Story]

Abbott's Sri Lanka comments 'excuse war crimes', Tamil refugee advocates say
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 29 Mar 2016 05:11 GMT ]

Human Rights Watch Australia director, Elaine Pearson, said Abbott's comments were unacceptable and offensive. [Full Story]

Lanka's new Constitution will address the Tamil issue: Minister
[ PTI ] [ 28 Mar 2016 03:01 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government will find a political solution to the Tamil issue in the new Constitution, a senior minister said today. [Full Story]

Pope's Easter message condemns failure to help migrants
[ BBC ] [ 27 Mar 2016 14:51 GMT ]

The Pope said migrants often met "rejection from those who could offer them welcome and assistance". [Full Story]

Political Prisoners and Sri Lanka's Sincerity Crisis
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 26 Mar 2016 02:08 GMT ]

President Maithripala Sirisena had promised progress regarding Tamil political prisoners, although we've seen little of that. [Full Story]

Treasures of the Indus
[ BBC iPlayer ] [ 25 Mar 2016 01:26 GMT ]

This is the story of the Indian subcontinent told through the treasures of three very different people, places and dynasties that have shaped the modern Indian world. [Full Story]

A New Land - Reshaping Sri Lanka's Destiny
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 24 Mar 2016 05:58 GMT ]

Our political leaders have consistently failed to make Sri Lanka the inclusive, peaceful and prosperous country. [Full Story]

Singapore most preferred destination of Tamil diaspora, study finds
[ Times of India ] [ 23 Mar 2016 04:11 GMT ]

Singapore has emerged as the most preferred destination among NRIs from Tamil Nadu. [Full Story]

Committed to ensuring credible investigation into human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, says UN
[ First Post ] [ 22 Mar 2016 03:55 GMT ]

The UN has said it remains committed to ensuring a credible investigation into alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka during the final phase of the civil war that ended seven years ago. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's lost generation
[ Daily Times ] [ 21 Mar 2016 04:18 GMT ]

Unmoored from mainstream society, these young men and women are Sri Lanka's lost generation. [Full Story]

Hill-country Tamils don't want to be called 'Indian Tamils'
[ The Hindu ] [ 20 Mar 2016 05:02 GMT ]

Making use of the ongoing process of constitutional reforms, the community wants the issue of identity to be resolved. [Full Story]

Accord citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils living in camps: PUCL
[ The Hindu ] [ 19 Mar 2016 00:17 GMT ]

All political parties in the State were concerned about Tamils living in Sri Lanka and did not look at the pathetic condition of those in refugee camps. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka needs international expertise at all levels - IMADR
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 18 Mar 2016 04:54 GMT ]

'It is in our experience that Sri Lanka needs international expertise at all levels in order to effectively implement the resolution,†[Full Story]

Sri Lankan government refuses to release Tamil political prisoners
[ WSWS] [ 17 Mar 2016 03:25 GMT ]

The continued incarceration without trial of hundreds of Tamils not only exposes the ongoing repression and discrimination against the country's Tamil minority. [Full Story]

Modern Tamils & the Tamil National Question
[ Sangam ] [ 16 Mar 2016 02:18 GMT ]

This book is the third and final in the series on the history of the Sri Lankan Tamils. [Full Story]

UK 'firmly committed to full implementation' of UN resolution on Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 15 Mar 2016 05:05 GMT ]

'We remain firmly committed to the full implementation of the resolution adopted in September and stand ready to help Sri Lankaâ€. [Full Story]

The Continuing Need For International Presence
[ CT ] [ 14 Mar 2016 05:44 GMT ]

The issue of international participation should not become or be seen as foreign interference that erodes national sovereignty. On the contrary, it is to strengthen the confidence of the Tamil polity in the transition process. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka needs to move faster on key reconciliation issues: UN
[ PTI ] [ 13 Mar 2016 04:09 GMT ]

The next few months will be important as the Sri Lankan government embarks on national consultations for the design of a comprehensive transitional justice process to implement fully this Council's resolution. [Full Story]

Sampanthan slams Sri Lankan government over continuing detentions
[ The Hindu ] [ 12 Mar 2016 01:12 GMT ]

Their continued detention was 'not compatible†with transitional justice. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka PM seeks probe into 'missing' wartime gold
[ Deccan Chronicle ] [ 11 Mar 2016 02:00 GMT ]

The army seized jewellery left behind by some 300,000 minority Tamil citizens who were driven out of their homes in the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist war, which ended in 2009. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka calls for int'l aid for war-torn regions
[ China Internet Information Center ] [ 10 Mar 2016 00:02 GMT ]

The government would convene a donor conference this year to seek technical and financial assistance for the north and east and had requested Japan to take the lead. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Should Finally Release Tamil Political Prisoners
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 09 Mar 2016 15:15 GMT ]

Colombo should finally release or bring to trial all Tamil political prisoners. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka ready for peace, says Erik Solheim
[ The Hindu ] [ 08 Mar 2016 04:05 GMT ]

This is the best opportunity to bring about a lasting solution to the country's ethnic question, Norway's former special peace envoy Erik Solheim said on Tuesday. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka brings back war-time measures to fight gangs
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 07 Mar 2016 05:15 GMT ]

At least 100,000 people were killed in the 37-year separatist war. [Full Story]

Need For Both External & Internal Champions Of The Reconciliation Process
[ CT ] [ 06 Mar 2016 02:22 GMT ]

Sri Lanka is today presented with a historic opportunity to deal with its past traumas, human rights violations and war crimes. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka bans landmines seven years after civil war
[ SBS ] [ 05 Mar 2016 01:17 GMT ]

Sri Lanka had previously refused to become a signatory to the treaty. [Full Story]

Tamil Chair at Harvard University
[ Generosity ] [ 04 Mar 2016 02:15 GMT ]

The creation of a permanent Tamil Chair at Harvard University is vital for the longevity and health of the Tamil language in the western hemisphere. [Full Story]

In Sri Lanka, Barriers Fall in a Land Marred by Bloodshed
[ The New York Times ] [ 03 Mar 2016 03:45 GMT ]

Seven years after a brutal war, peace and tourism have returned to Sri Lanka's north, but normality remains more elusive. [Full Story]

Joint Statement From the U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on the Inaugural U.S. - Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue
[ U.S. Department of State ] [ 02 Mar 2016 05:22 GMT ]

The United States welcomed Sri Lanka's strength as a nation committed to achieving lasting peace and prosperity inclusive of truth-seeking, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence that includes providing closure to the families of the missing. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Maintain momentum, Deliver on human rights commitments
[ Amnesty International ] [ 01 Mar 2016 04:04 GMT ]

Justice, truth and reparation can be important mechanisms to ensure that past human rights violations and abuses will never be repeated. [Full Story PDF]

Opinion: Changing role of real estate firms in former war zone
[ LBO ] [ 01 Mar 2016 00:04 GMT ]

Thirty five years of Civil war in Sri Lanka has seen 60 – 65 percent of the Sri Lankan Tamil population gradually leaving Sri Lanka for other countries. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka could accept international actors in war crimes probe
[ Reuters ] [ 29 Feb 2016 03:01 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's foreign minister said on Thursday he is willing to consider international participation in investigating possible war crimes during the 26-year Tamil insurgency. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Rising from the ashes, but much left to do
[ Lowy Institute for International Policy ] [ 28 Feb 2016 03:27 GMT ]

The population halved during the war. [Full Story]

Amnesty International reveals the 10 worst attacks on human rights across the world last year
[ The Independent UK ] [ 27 Feb 2016 02:49 GMT ]

Report issues damning assessment on the state of human rights in the world right now. [Full Story]

Piecing together shattered lives in Sri Lanka
[ UCA News ] [ 26 Feb 2016 05:50 GMT ]

Around 15,000 children in the Batticaloa province were orphaned by the civil war that ended in 2009. [Full Story]

The US Must Pay More Attention to Sri Lanka's Transitional Justice Debate
[ The Diplomat ] [ 25 Feb 2016 17:52 GMT ]

It's imperative that the international community, especially the United States., keep the pressure on Sri Lanka to help consolidate the nation's recent democratic gains and assist a war-torn country build a durable peace. [Full Story]

Tamil Civil Society Seeks International Participation in Constitution Making
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 24 Feb 2016 01:55 GMT ]

The process of constitution making should be 'sufficiently internationalized†in the light of other constitutional making examples in the aftermath of violent conflict, such as Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Aceh. [Full Story]

Tamil youths in Sri Lanka moving out of plantation sector
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 Feb 2016 02:49 GMT ]

They are also facing 'stigmatisation and discrimination due to their Indian Tamil ethnicity and estate worker identity. [Full Story]

A Sri Lankan Lesson in Free Speech
[ The New York Times ] [ 22 Feb 2016 04:02 GMT ]

Tamil literature, which has a long and important history that has helped shape and define Tamil identity. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka After the Tigers
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 21 Feb 2016 01:29 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government has a historic opportunity to mend a nation broken by war. But it will only succeed if accountability triumphs over old distrust. [Full Story]

'Tamil areas in Sri Lanka are the pockets of poverty'
[ The Hindu ] [ 20 Feb 2016 03:12 GMT ]

Regions with the highest rate of poverty in Sri Lanka are areas inhabited by Tamils, according to a study of the World Bank. [Full Story]

Sent back by Australia to debt in Sri Lanka
[ IRIN ] [ 19 Feb 2016 02:01 GMT ]

Many returnees face crippling debt after spending large sums to pay for the journey. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka After the Tigers - Letter from Mannar
[ Foreign Affairs ] [ 18 Feb 2016 05:49 GMT ]

The mainly Sinhalese military sprawls on land that once belonged to the Tamil community. [Full Story]

Will UN rights chief's Sri Lankan visit deliver outcomes?
[ UCA News ] [ 17 Feb 2016 04:50 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's government also committed to establishing four transitional justice mechanisms covering reparations, missing persons, truth seeking and accountability through judicial mechanisms. [Full Story]

Even As UN Softens Its Stand, Sri Lanka Has Tough Challenge At UNHRC – Analysis
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 16 Feb 2016 22:44 GMT ]

Colombo needs to take concrete steps towards speedy reconciliation. [Full Story]

Maithripala Sirisena: Saved Mahinda Rajapaksa from war crimes court
[ The Asian Age ] [ 15 Feb 2016 05:02 GMT ]

His victory in elections in January 2015 over Mr Rajapaksa was the reason why the former President was prevented from answering a war crimes probe. [Full Story]

Sirisena Appoints Left-Liberal Reginald Cooray as Northern Province Governor
[ The Indian Express ] [ 14 Feb 2016 04:55 GMT ]

A progressive step welcomed by Tamil leaders. [Full Story]

Myanmar's Tamil community works to maintain their culture
[ Mizzima ] [ 13 Feb 2016 04:18 GMT ]

Tamils, native to southeastern India and northern Sri Lanka, are one of the world's largest ethnic groups without a nation. [Full Story]

Political and Livelihood Assurances a Must
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 12 Feb 2016 02:05 GMT ]

Political questions have to be settled to the satisfaction of the Lankan Tamils so as to encourage their 'voluntary†return. [Full Story]

India-Sri Lanka: A tale of Guns and Roses
[ Prepsure ] [ 11 Feb 2016 11:35 GMT ]

India and Sri Lanka enjoy a unique relationship which has been strengthened over time, and seem to have bright future. [Full Story]

Explaining Transitional Justice in Sri Lanka
[ The Diplomat ] [ 10 Feb 2016 02:35 GMT ]

The new government's progress on core Tamil issues, including the release of Tamil political prisoners and demilitarization, has disappointed many. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka must confront demons of past, UN rights chief says
[ AFP ] [ 09 Feb 2016 15:28 GMT ]

His warning came after having heard fears that the government "may be wavering on its human rights commitments" despite its promise to ensure ethnic reconciliation and accountability. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Tamil leaders call for UN help on 4000 missing
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 08 Feb 2016 00:21 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's ethnic Tamil leaders on Sunday asked the top U.N. human rights official to help determine the fate of more than 4,000 civilians reported missing in the country's long civil war. [Full Story]

India Needs to Urgently Engage With Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora Groups: Global Tamil Forum
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 08 Feb 2016 00:15 GMT ]

India has so far, kept powerful Diaspora groups at an arms length. [Full Story]

The Political Challenge Of Carrying The People Through Transitional Justice
[ CT ] [ 07 Feb 2016 00:03 GMT ]

A domestic process of judicial accountability that has no international involvement will not be acceptable to the great majority of Tamil people who were the main victims of the last phase of the war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa family: Crashing fall from grace
[ BBC ] [ 06 Feb 2016 04:55 GMT ]

Once-despairing human rights activists detect small signs of progress. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka takes 'giant step' toward unity with Tamil anthem
[ Daily Mail UK ] [ 05 Feb 2016 00:50 GMT ]

"It may be a small symbolic thing, but it is a very important step telling the Tamil-speaking people that they are equal members of this country and the state recognises that," [Full Story]

What are we celebrating on the 4th Feb – Independence, Inter-dependence or Freedom?
[ SL Guardian ] [ 04 Feb 2016 00:02 GMT ]

Never did we dream that the British blunder of handing over all the power into the hands of a majoritarian democracy will lead to many decades of conflict and war on this island. [Full Story]

Tamil council calls for federalism
[ The Hindu ] [ 03 Feb 2016 00:01 GMT ]

The Tamil People's Council, a forum of different Tamil political parties and groups, has proposed that Sri Lanka be converted into a federal republic. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan minorities want an inclusive constitution
[ UCA News ] [ 02 Feb 2016 04:01 GMT ]

Reconciliations efforts will be in vain if the law is not equal and just. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Tracing the origins of Ceylon tea
[ Aljazeera ] [ 01 Feb 2016 00:55 GMT ]

Women have to collect 18Kg of delicate tea leaves to receive their daily pay of $5. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka constitution: What's in it for the Tamils?
[ Asian Correspondent ] [ 31 Jan 2016 01:58 GMT ]

Tamils will remain under-privileged citizens unless they mount a concerted challenge to the regime's moves forthwith. [Full Story]

Last ruler of Kandy has his resting place in Vellore
[ The Hindu ] [ 30 Jan 2016 02:00 GMT ]

Plaques in Muthu Mandapam hail him Sri Lanka's last Tamil King, and note that he was housed in a room inside the fort for 16 years. [Full Story]

No justice for Sri Lanka's missing and killed journalists
[ UCA News ] [ 29 Jan 2016 04:49 GMT ]

There has been little government support forthcoming to investigate the deaths of Tamil journalists. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: New Government Makes Significant Progress
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 28 Jan 2016 03:10 GMT ]

The changed atmosphere under the new government has given hope to many victims of past abuses, civil society activists, and international observers,†Adams said. [Full Story]

China Radio's Tamil programmes gain popularity
[ News Today Media ] [ 28 Jan 2016 02:14 GMT ]

The division that started in 1963 has been catering to listeners in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and several other countries. [Full Story]

The agony of Sri Lanka's carapace of peace
[ Channel4 ] [ 27 Jan 2016 03:03 GMT ]

Tonight on Channel 4 News we shall be telling a story of a degree of return to normality. [Full Story] [Report II] [Report III]

Sri Lanka: Fulfill Rights Council Call for Justice
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 26 Jan 2016 00:15 GMT ]

'The countries that worked so closely with Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council last year have a responsibility to ensure that this important resolution will be properly adopted,†Adams said. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Rebirth
[ Project Syndicate ] [ 26 Jan 2016 00:02 GMT ]

What is required is full integration of the Tamils, Sri Lanka's embittered minority, into the country's economic life. [Full Story]

Key to Lanka's success
[ Arab News ] [ 25 Jan 2016 04:51 GMT ]

There is a conviction in Sri Lanka today that by shedding majoritarian ego and displaying magnanimity the country can be re-invented. [Full Story]

TNA to stick to federal solution
[ CT ] [ 24 Jan 2016 02:56 GMT ]

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will not deviate from their stance on finding a solution based on the federal system. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka president wants 'internal' war crimes court
[ BBC ] [ 23 Jan 2016 04:05 GMT ]

"We will certainly reach our target but it's a process." [Full Story]

Island of Hope -- Sri Lanka's Last Chance for Equality
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 22 Jan 2016 03:55 GMT ]

We need to create a society where we can all live in dignity, a society that is just and free. Until we do, the promise of our new nation can never be realized. [Full Story]

Retired Sri Lankan bishop risked life for Tamils, say activists
[ UCA News ] [ 21 Jan 2016 05:19 GMT ]

Prelate survived assassination attempts while championing the rights of the underprivileged [Full Story]

David Cameron takes some credit for reforms in Sri Lanka
[ Asia One ] [ 20 Jan 2016 04:48 GMT ]

The mechanisms would be purely Sri Lankan with the required assistance provided by the UN community, but it would have to be in place before the UNHRC's June sessions. [Full Story]

M.I.A. IN ACTION: Voice of the war-torn
[ Nyoooz ] [ 19 Jan 2016 03:17 GMT ]

For M.I.A., daughter of a Lankan Tamil political activist, her identification with the refugees is both personal and political. [Full Story]

Meet seeks to pass on Tamil's heritage
[ The Hindu ] [ 18 Jan 2016 02:12 GMT ]

The theme of the international conference was on Challenges and Opportunities for Tamil living abroad. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka PM vows greater political power for Tamils
[ The Daily Mail UK ] [ 17 Jan 2016 00:05 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's prime minister on Friday promised greater political power to the island's Tamil minority under a new constitution aimed at preventing a return to ethnic war and healing the wounds of the past. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Circuitous Road to Reform
[ The Diplomat ] [ 16 Jan 2016 05:59 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's recent democratic gains are real; so are the challenges that lie ahead. [Full Story]

Time for Action on Sri Lanka War Crimes
[ The Diplomat ] [ 15 Jan 2016 04:28 GMT ]

The current year-old government of Sri Lanka is a vast improvement on its abysmal predecessor. [Full Story]

Report card: Sri Lanka president falls short after one year at helm
[ Asia Times ] [ 14 Jan 2016 02:01 GMT ]

Sirisena has made good progress in getting the 19th Amendment to the country's constitution passed which will abolish the Executive Presidency at the end of his term. [Full Story]

De-mining Sri Lanka: a job for widows and survivors
[ Aljazeera ] [ 13 Jan 2016 09:58 GMT ]

"We might not be able to take every single mine out of the ground, but the important thing is that people will be able to go on with their lives. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's historic opportunity
[ The Hindu ] [ 12 Jan 2016 04:41 GMT ]

It is a historic opportunity for all stake-holders, including Tamils, Muslims and plantation Tamils, to participate in the process. It is time all sides left their nationalist rhetoric of the past behind. [Full Story]

TMP Watchdog of Lanka Tamil Politics
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 11 Jan 2016 03:49 GMT ]

The Tamil Makkal Peravai (TMP),is not a rival to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), but is a non-partisan, civil society watchdog meant to see that the basic interests of the Lankan Tamils are upheld by their leaders and not compromised for petty gains. [Full Story]

Inside Story: Can a new constitution heal Sri Lanka's wounds?
[ Aljazeera ] [ 10 Jan 2016 03:49 GMT ]

President Maithripala Sirisena has pledged to introduce sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at preventing his country from returning to ethnic war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka begins process of writing new constitution to prevent war
[ Deutsche Welle ] [ 09 Jan 2016 02:25 GMT ]

Objections by the majority ethnic Sinhala community to power sharing deals with the minority ethnic Tamils early on led to terrorism and war. [Full Story]

The state that loves bullfighting but isn't Spain
[ BBC ] [ 08 Jan 2016 00:58 GMT ]

Jallikattu is more than 2,000 years old and considered to be one of the oldest sports still practised in the modern era. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka accused of allowing continuing human rights abuses
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 07 Jan 2016 00:04 GMT ]

In September the United Nations said it had found evidence strongly indicating that war crimes were committed in Sri Lanka in the closing phases of its civil war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's torture machine continues in peacetime
[ IRIN ] [ 06 Jan 2016 15:49 GMT ]

Civilians are still being abducted, tortured and sexually abused by security forces, according to a report published today. [Full Story]

From Baahubali to Anegan: Top 10 highest grossing overseas Tamil movies of 2015
[ International Business Times ] [ 05 Jan 2016 23:55 GMT ]

Tamil films have created a good market overseas and in the last couple of years. [Full Story]

Scholars too flock to Puducherry
[ The Hindu ] [ 04 Jan 2016 00:02 GMT ]

Penguin Publishers in collaboration with the French Institute of Pondicherry brought out a book on the contemporary Tamil writing in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka president pledges land for 100,000 war victims
[ AFP ] [ 03 Jan 2016 17:07 GMT ]

Up to 100,000 people still living in camps six years after the end of Sri Lanka's brutal ethnic war will be given land to build homes within six months. [Full Story]

Tamils Satisfied With Lanka's Move Toward Constitutional Reform
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 02 Jan 2016 05:04 GMT ]

'Very meaningful first steps have been taken by the government with intent. [Full Story]

New Year Determination For Reconciliation & Peace
[ CT ] [ 01 Jan 2016 04:57 GMT ]

A firm determination for ethnic reconciliation and peace is of paramount importance in the New Year 2016. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka seeks public support in constitutional reforms
[ Economy Next ] [ 31 Dec 2015 01:55 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's government aims to draft a new constitution with wide public participation within existing parliamentary procedures and appeals to interest groups to put forward proposals, a spokesman said. [Full Story]

What's the Deal with Sri Lanka's War Crimes Court?
[ The Diplomat ] [ 30 Dec 2015 03:03 GMT ]

Since the administration of President Maithripala Sirisena still refuses to release Tamil political prisoners 'with no real charges against them, no domestic process will be taken seriously.†[Full Story]

For First Time in Lankan History Tamil Parties Gear Up For Constitution Making
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 29 Dec 2015 02:27 GMT ]

The government has officially stated that the new constitution will provide a 'constitutional resolution' of the ethnic issue. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's delicate dance with China
[ CNBC ] [ 28 Dec 2015 03:48 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's new government has inherited more than $25 billion in debt to offshore creditors. [Full Story]

Sri lanka set to move resolution in parliament to turn house into Constitutional Assembly
[ First Post ] [ 27 Dec 2015 01:14 GMT ]

Unity government also aims to address the Tamil minority concerns on devolution of power to the Tamil regions in the new Constitution. [Full Story]

Tamil Catholics worry about Christmas in Sri Lanka
[ UCA News ] [ 26 Dec 2015 00:52 GMT ]

Hundreds of war-affected families still live in temporary shelters constructed from tin sheets and palm leaf roofs. [Full Story]

World's Christians celebrate Christmas
[ BBC ] [ 25 Dec 2015 00:02 GMT ]

Events have been overshadowed by recent violence between Palestinians and Israelis. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka : History
[ The Commonwealth ] [ 24 Dec 2015 04:05 GMT ]

Dravidian and Indo-Aryan languages filtered down to Sri Lanka, from the south and north of India respectively, with modern-day Tamils and Sinhalese each often claiming their forefathers arrived first. [Full Story]

Scottish landmine charity reaches major milestone in war-torn Sri Lanka
[ Herald Scotland ] [ 23 Dec 2015 00:09 GMT ]

It has reached a significant milestone after clearing its 200,000th landmine from a former worn-torn part of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan President Vows To Resettle Displaced Tamils Within Six Months
[ NDTV ] [ 22 Dec 2015 01:22 GMT ]

A United Nations panel has said around 40,000 mainly Tamil civilians were killed in the final months of the country's separatist war. [Full Story]

Lankan Tamil Leader Determined To Overcome Obstacles To Sending Relief To TN
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 21 Dec 2015 03:08 GMT ]

Indian diplomats told Sivagnanam that India has a policy of not accepting foreign aid for disaster management. [Full Story]

Experts say jaffna likely to be submerged by the sea
[ CT ] [ 20 Dec 2015 02:38 GMT ]

The increase in temperature has resulted in changes in weather patterns. [Full Story]

Body to coordinate reconciliation in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 19 Dec 2015 00:05 GMT ]

The proposed secretariat will develop a plan on institutions such as the Office on Missing Persons and the Truth, Reconciliation and Prevention of Conflicts Commission. [Full Story]

U.S. Under Secretary of State (designate) Thomas Shannon's speech
[ U.S. Department of State ] [ 18 Dec 2015 03:44 GMT ]

In August, the world witnessed your resolve to move beyond the acrimony of the past and towards a future that is inclusive, peaceful, just, democratic, and prosperous. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka is welcoming China - and its money - once more
[ The Independent UK ] [ 17 Dec 2015 03:57 GMT ]

China tends when investing overseas to create firm ties with the ruling elite but otherwise to have little to do with local politics. [Full Story]

Remembering S. Sivanayagam (1930-2010) via His Letters
[ Sangam ] [ 16 Dec 2015 04:04 GMT ]

S. Sivanayagam established and distinguished himself, via his editorship of Saturday Review, Tamil Nation and Hot Spring print journals. [Full Story]

Will the Commonwealth finally step up in Sri Lanka?
[ Open Democracy ] [ 15 Dec 2015 03:55 GMT ]

In Sri Lanka, the Commonwealth has a unique opportunity to restore its place on the global stage. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Talks Big on Human Rights Day
[ The Diplomat ] [ 14 Dec 2015 04:38 GMT ]

Sri Lanka has 5,750 outstanding cases of disappearances - the second highest number in the world. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Tamil Political Prisoners: An Abdication of Presidential Leadership
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 13 Dec 2015 02:50 GMT ]

Colombo's continued intransigence on some of the small issues makes it's hard to be optimistic about the broader reform agenda. [Full Story]

Climate change summit reaches deal in Paris
[ BBC ] [ 12 Dec 2015 21:31 GMT ]

"The transition to a low carbon economy is now unstoppable, ensuring the end of the fossil fuel age." [Full Story]

Supreme Court ruling calls for flexibility in refugee cases involving kids
[ The Globe and Mail ] [ 11 Dec 2015 00:02 GMT ]

The Supreme Court of Canada has told the Canadian government it has misread the 'humanitarian and compassionate†grounds for letting failed refugee claimants stay, applying too restrictive a definition. [Full Story]

The Future of US-Sri Lanka Relations
[ The Diplomat ] [ 10 Dec 2015 04:45 GMT ]

Under Obama's watch, the United States played a major role in pressuring Sri Lanka to respect human dignity and deal with the past. [Full Story]

India committed to build 50,000 houses for displaced refugees in Sri Lanka
[ Business Insider Global ] [ 09 Dec 2015 03:21 GMT ]

Since 1995, not much has been done to replace the thousands of internally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

EU supports housing, entrepreneurship in north-east Sri Lanka
[ Economy Next ] [ 08 Dec 2015 04:41 GMT ]

The European Union has launched a three-year project to support war-affected people in Sri Lanka's north and east. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's $675 million plan to harness floods
[ IRIN ] [ 07 Dec 2015 03:28 GMT ]

In the last five years, the dry zone has suffered at least five major floods and four droughts. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's transitional justice: Genuine move or red herring?
[ Asian Correspondent ] [ 06 Dec 2015 05:01 GMT ]

Sri Lanka, while pledging not to haul its military before any tribunal for war crimes, took steps to operationalise some aspects of the resolution. [Full Story]

A Few Thoughts on Sri Lanka's New Court
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 05 Dec 2015 02:49 GMT ]

The announcement of this new court means that Sri Lanka will finally begin adding a degree of specificity towards its transitional justice approach. [Full Story]

Why is India's Chennai flooded?
[ BBC ] [ 04 Dec 2015 05:21 GMT ]

Much of the city has grown without a plan and with no regard to water flows. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka to launch special court to probe war crimes
[ AFP ] [ 03 Dec 2015 02:06 GMT ]

"No reconciliation is possible without accepting the mistakes of the past." [Full Story]

Heavy rains lash Tamil Nadu; death toll reaches 188
[ Deccan Herald ] [ 02 Dec 2015 04:28 GMT ]

Weather office has cautioned of more showers in the next four days across Tamil Nadu. [Full Story]

UN delegation: Sri Lanka has opportunity to provide rights to disappeared citizens
[ Jurist ] [ 01 Dec 2015 02:44 GMT ]

The experts noted that Sri Lanka had previously made no effort to determine the whereabouts of the disappeared or search for the truth related to the disappearances. [Full Story]

MIA's Borders: artist braves boats and barbed wire in video crusade for refugees
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 30 Nov 2015 03:09 GMT ]

Track that proves she remains unique in her ability to implement ideas about pop culture and important global topics. [Full Story]

CHOGM 2015: UK steps up reconciliation and human rights support for Sri Lanka
[ Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street ] [ 29 Nov 2015 02:25 GMT ]

The UK is clear that credible investigations into alleged war crimes during Sri Lanka's civil war are vital. [Full Story]

A phonecall, a meeting, then indefinite detention: the refugees at the mercy of Asio
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 28 Nov 2015 04:11 GMT ]

Ranjini, who had been granted refugee status and living in Melbourne, was picked up and held without charge at Villawood detention centre in Sydney for more than three years. [Full Story]

Jaffna fears remembering Tamil war dead
[ BBC ] [ 27 Nov 2015 05:17 GMT ]

Thousands of Tamils around the world are commemorating their dead relatives this week. [Full Story]

Pope Francis in Kenya at start of African tour
[ BBC ] [ 26 Nov 2015 00:02 GMT ]

Pope Francis: ''All men and women of good will are called to work for reconciliation and peace, forgiveness and healing'' [Full Story]

What Comes After Samantha Power's Sri Lanka Visit?
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 25 Nov 2015 14:51 GMT ]

If the Sirisena administration proves unwilling or unable to make tangible progress, then the need to pursue other avenues for justice and lasting peace only becomes more urgent. [Full Story]

US calls for support to Lanka's reconciliation efforts
[ Business Standard ] [ 24 Nov 2015 02:59 GMT ]

Lanka's main Tamil political party has accepted the government efforts to ensure reconciliation after three decades of ethnic war that claimed over 100,000 lives. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka scales back list of banned pro-LTTE outfits
[ PTI ] [ 23 Nov 2015 03:41 GMT ]

Samaraweera said the previous government took the measure to 'build up the hysteria about the LTTE regrouping†in the run up to the presidential election. [Full Story]

US Ambassador praises resilience of Tamil journalists
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 22 Nov 2015 05:55 GMT ]

Pointing to a media worker who had been assaulted, she acknowledged the threats faced, 'as this man's body attests, because he bears the evidence of the sacrifices you all make for the good of your peopleâ€Â. [Full Story]

Dispatches: Sri Lanka Homecoming
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 21 Nov 2015 04:09 GMT ]

'More than others, the Tamils know the trauma of war,†[Full Story]

Samantha Power Must Recalibrate Washington's Sri Lanka Rhetoric
[ The Diplomat ] [ 20 Nov 2015 04:58 GMT ]

Power needs to speak clearly about the challenges ahead and the concerns regarding the new government's performance. [Full Story]

UN experts demand action over suspected secret Sri Lankan prisons
[ The Express Tribune ] [ 19 Nov 2015 00:05 GMT ]

UN group said a local investigation probing allegations of thousands of disappearances at the end of the war was moving too slowly. [Full Story] [OHCHR Report]

Justice for a Sri Lankan Massacre
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 18 Nov 2015 01:11 GMT ]

The government should recognize that there can only be justice for the ACF killings if all those responsible - not just the low-ranking triggermen - are held to account. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: When loved ones are stolen can poetry repair the wound?
[ Amnesty International ] [ 17 Nov 2015 04:09 GMT ]

More than 80,000 people disappeared in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

What's the Deal With Sri Lanka's Tamil Political Prisoners?
[ The Huffington Post ] [ 16 Nov 2015 02:34 GMT ]

Releasing Tamil political prisoners would build trust between the government and the Tamil community. [Full Story]

Samantha Power and US Sri Lanka Policy
[ The Diplomat ] [ 15 Nov 2015 01:15 GMT ]

It's imperative that the administration make honest, accurate assessments about Sri Lanka's progress. [Full Story]

Why Asian snack bar Hoppers is London's best new restaurant
[ The Malay Mail ] [ 14 Nov 2015 03:01 GMT ]

Hoppers is a cramped little Soho café serving Tamil street food. [Full Story]

Life and Tamil despair in Sri Lanka's refugee camps
[ Asia News ] [ 13 Nov 2015 01:24 GMT ]

All we want is to get out of the camps and go back to our villages. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka mourns activist monk
[ UCA News ] [ 12 Nov 2015 05:05 GMT ]

"The highest tribute we could pay … is to continue with his struggle to ensure that the qualities of honesty, transparency and justice are strongly entrenched in the public life of this country," [Full Story]

SL Govt. has no intention of eradicating the roots of Tamil existence
[ SL Guardian ] [ 11 Nov 2015 00:05 GMT ]

Only by addressing ourselves to the facts of the past, can we avoid a dark future and move towards a better future. [Full Story]

VISIT OF THE UN WORKING GROUP ON ENFORCED AND INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCE TO SRI LANKA
[ Amnesty International ] [ 10 Nov 2015 00:02 GMT ]

This important visit will raise the hopes of thousands of families of the disappeared that with the UN's help they may finally discover the fates and whereabouts of their missing relatives and have the opportunity to pursue justice and reparation. [Full Story PDF]

Sri Lanka's Unexpected Political Opening Won't Last Forever
[ The Diplomat ] [ 09 Nov 2015 05:09 GMT ]

Failing to recognize that transitional justice, including accountability (for wartime abuses), is an essential part of the government's broader governance and institution-building agenda would be a significant mistake. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka prisoners to go on hunger strike if not freed
[ Al Jazeera ] [ 08 Nov 2015 04:22 GMT ]

More than two hundred Tamil prisoners in Sri Lanka are threatening to begin an indefinite hunger strike on Sunday if they are not released. [Full Story]

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have lost a future
[ The Weekend Leader ] [ 07 Nov 2015 03:33 GMT ]

'It's a bad proposition to urge the refugees to return to Sri Lanka without a political solution,' [Full Story]

Sri Lanka and the politics of justice
[ Open Democracy ] [ 06 Nov 2015 05:48 GMT ]

There are concrete things the Colombo government can do now. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's icon of colonial rule rises from the rubble
[ AFP ] [ 05 Nov 2015 02:48 GMT ]

When the Dutch and British ruled Sri Lanka in the 1600 and 1700s, the fortress was a sign of European military might in the Indian Ocean region. [Full Story]

Dispatches: Sri Lanka's Army Plays by the Old Rules
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 04 Nov 2015 04:01 GMT ]

Not everyone has gotten the message that things have changed. The military needs to get the message. [Full Story]

How can Sri Lanka Demonstrate its Commitment to Peace?
[ Foreign Policy ] [ 03 Nov 2015 00:05 GMT ]

Demilitarization, returning more civilian land to its rightful owners and releasing (or at least bringing to trial) political prisoners are fundamental war-related issues and of utmost importance to the Tamil community. [Full Story]

Let's hope Sri Lanka regains its serendipity
[ The Straits Time ] [ 02 Nov 2015 00:25 GMT ]

Now, Sri Lanka has one more chance. Perhaps its last one. [Full Story]

No graves for Sri Lanka's disappeared
[ UCA News ] [ 01 Nov 2015 04:28 GMT ]

About 40,000 civilians died during the final days of that war. It was a period of unlawful killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and torture. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: A Ray of Hope for those Looking for War Missing
[ IPS ] [ 31 Oct 2015 02:55 GMT ]

'For a nation to heal we must know the truth, however difficult and uncomfortable it may be,†[Full Story]

REFUGEES - Now here and nowhere
[ Frontline ] [ 30 Oct 2015 05:17 GMT ]

As the debate rages on what constitutes conditions conducive to the return of the refugees, the life of the refugee continues to remain in limbo. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: emerald paradise with a dark interior
[ The Spectator ] [ 29 Oct 2015 03:00 GMT ]

A final reckoning and justice has yet to be delivered. [Full Story]

'The identity of Sri Lanka must be redefined'
[ SL Guardian ] [ 28 Oct 2015 04:15 GMT ]

We Tamils also demand an honest attempt at finding a political solution in addition to the reparations to those affected. Thereafter the reconciliation process can be realised. [Full Story]

Families urge Sri Lanka to release political prisoners
[ UCA News ] [ 27 Oct 2015 00:04 GMT ]

Minority Tamils say injustices continue long after civil war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka at a Crossroads
[ The Huffington Post UK ] [ 26 Oct 2015 00:47 GMT ]

It's essential that one important group is not forgotten - exiled victims and witnesses. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Is Sirisena Ready to Release Tamil Political Prisoners?
[ The Diplomat ] [ 25 Oct 2015 01:05 GMT ]

Sirisena's decision on Tamil political prisoners in the weeks ahead is something to watch closely. [Full Story]

PARANAGAMA REPORT - On the Second Mandate Of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry Into Complaints of Abductions and Disappearances
[ TWG ] [ 24 Oct 2015 02:57 GMT ]

The principal allegations resulting in civilian deaths in the final phase of the conflict, it recognises that there are a number of individual cases involving the SLA where there is a reasonable belief as to breaches of the laws of war. [Full Story PDF]

'Credible inquiry into rights violations in Sri Lanka possible'
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 Oct 2015 03:03 GMT ]

India's former Union Finance and Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said 'credible inquiry†[into alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka] could be achieved in many ways. [Full Story]

To End a Civil War: Norway's Peace Engagement with Sri Lanka
[ Prio ] [ 22 Oct 2015 04:05 GMT ]

In doing so the book fills a critical gap in understanding the Sri Lankan conflict. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka judge says war crimes claims are 'credible'
[ BBC ] [ 21 Oct 2015 10:33 GMT ]

The UN admitted in 2012 that it could and should have done more to protect civilians. [Full Story]

Gary Anandasangaree wins Scarborough-Rouge Park for Liberals in landslide victory
[ Global News ] [ 20 Oct 2015 19:44 GMT ]

Anandasangaree surged ahead of the the other candidates with an overwhelming majority of the vote. [Full Story]

The lives left in ruins by Sri Lanka's civil war
[ The World Weekly ] [ 20 Oct 2015 04:02 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government has not spent a single rupee to build houses for displaced Tamils. [Full Story]

TN Entrepreneurs Add Social Dimension to Investing in North Lanka
[ The New indian Express ] [ 19 Oct 2015 01:22 GMT ]

We were moved by the plight of the 70,000 war widows in the North and East. [Full Story]

Tamil Kids' Mind Badly Hurt by Lankan War
[ New Indian Express ] [ 18 Oct 2015 04:05 GMT ]

The 30 year war in Sri Lanka's Northern Province has had a severe psychological effect on the children. [Full Story]

Translating human experience through literature
[ The Intelligencer ] [ 17 Oct 2015 03:44 GMT ]

Something happened to make them refugees. Nobody leaves your home by choice. [Full Story]

The challenge of doing what is right in Sri Lanka
[ UCA News ] [ 16 Oct 2015 05:37 GMT ]

Church and religious leaders should help their communities face up to the stories of their brothers and sisters crying out through the report. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka promises urgent action on Tamil prisoners
[ The Hindu ] [ 15 Oct 2015 03:55 GMT ]

Tamil and human rights group have called for repealing of PTA, introduced in 1979. [Full Story]

Tamil Prisoners in Sri Lanka Have Gone On Hunger Strike to Demand Their Freedom
[ TIME ] [ 14 Oct 2015 01:41 GMT ]

Hundreds of Tamil prisoners in Sri Lanka, many of whom have spent nearly two decades in jail without seeing the inside of a courtroom, have initiated a hunger strike to demand their immediate release. [Full Story]

After dodging war crimes probe, Lanka focuses on truth, reconciliation
[ Asia Times ] [ 13 Oct 2015 03:01 GMT ]

It will also be up to the international community and the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that the victims and their families are genuinely consulted at every step of the process to get to truth and justice. [Full Story]

Six years after the end of Sri Lanka's civil war, Tamils in Jaffna still struggling to rebuild their lives
[ ABC ] [ 12 Oct 2015 04:29 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government's promise of a process for transitional justice "provides room for some optimism". [Full Story]

'We have talked so much about it, and it just goes nowhere.'
[ The Washington Post ] [ 11 Oct 2015 02:11 GMT ]

Without accurate translations of testimony that can be shared across communities, the new transitional justice process cannot hope to provide an honest reckoning of the past and contribute to reconciliation. [Full Story]

TNA Hopes UNHRC Resolution Will Mark A New Chapter In Sri Lanka's Quest For Reconciliation
[ CT ] [ 10 Oct 2015 03:15 GMT ]

We urge the government to implement the resolution in a spirit of honesty and cooperation. [Full Story]

Lives Remain In Ruin Six Years After Sri Lanka Civil War
[ Worldcrunch ] [ 09 Oct 2015 02:34 GMT ]

Demilitarization in the north had been one of the key issues of legislative elections. [Full Story]

Great expectations in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 08 Oct 2015 01:03 GMT ]

It opens up yet another opportunity for a political solution. [Full Story]

Cardin Speech on the Importance of Accountability in Sri Lanka
[ U.S Senate Committee on Foreign Relations ] [ 07 Oct 2015 04:14 GMT ]

The goal is to conduct a process where all sides are provided a measure of justice that leads to durable reconciliation and a marked departure from armed conflict. [Full Story]

Treasures of the Indus - Of Gods and Men
[ BBC iPlayer ] [ 06 Oct 2015 01:02 GMT ]

In a journey across India's Tamil Nadu state, Sona Datta traces the development of the Hindu religion from its origins as an amalgamation of local faith traditions. [Full Story] [Video]

Strong calls for Sri Lanka to implement said commitments and deliver justice as OISL discussed at UNHRC
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 05 Oct 2015 02:22 GMT ]

Calling for the root cause of the ethnic conflict and violations in Sri Lanka to be addressed, statements called for a devolution of power to the Tamil community as a measure towards non-recurrence of crimes. [Full Story]

Sri Lankans disabled by war, forgotten in peace
[ IRIN News ] [ 04 Oct 2015 01:58 GMT ]

There is no programme to help civilians and former Tamil Tigers who remain permanently affected by injuries during the war. [Full Story]

UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka: PM statement 2 October 2015
[ 10 Downing Street ] [ 03 Oct 2015 03:11 GMT ]

I urge President Sirisena to develop the work he has already started - to build a peaceful, prosperous and united country where every community has a voice. [Full Story]

The UNHRC adopts consensus resolution on Sri Lanka
[ Channel4 ] [ 03 Oct 2015 02:02 GMT ]

An immediate focus of campaigning will be for the establishment of properly staffed and adequately funded regional office of the OHCHR in the Jaffna or Kilinochchi areas of the north. [Full Story]

U.N. rights boss urges Sri Lanka to probe secret jails, missing people
[ Reuters ] [ 02 Oct 2015 05:57 GMT ]

Sri Lanka must investigate reports of secret places of detention and set up a "credible and independent" body to clarify the fate of people missing. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: UN war crimes resolution marks a turning point for victims
[ Amnesty International ] [ 01 Oct 2015 19:14 GMT ]

A crucial resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council today offers the victims of Sri Lanka's armed conflict the prospect of finally getting the truth and justice they deserve, Amnesty International said. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka war crimes resolution softened before U.N. debate
[ Reuters ] [ 01 Oct 2015 00:05 GMT ]

Some diplomats say that reflects the balancing act needed to keep Sri Lanka's new reformist leadership on board while making a credible attempt to end a culture of impunity. [Full Story]

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Tamil Diaspora to impose economic embargo on
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Sri Lanka

The paradox of international policy

Considering that during the history of the ethnic conflict Sri Lanka has failed to prosecute a single member of its armed forces, despite widespread and systematic abuses, suggests that ...
CFA 2002- 2007: 5 Years of Ceasefire - A Missed Opportunity

There are more internally displaced people now (887,475) than at the beginning of the CFA!

Military Solution? Learn From The Past...


The Plight of Eelam Tamils

Video: Genocide No More Prime Minister!

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