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1937 - 2020
'A Tribute to
Mr Ivan Pedropillai
Late Patron/Former Chairman'

Tamil Heritage

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

Early Port Cities in the Malay Peninsula
The ethnic Tamil people of the southernmost region of India played the active part to transfer their religious and cultural traits from their homeland to Southeast Asia. >> More
Call for Submissions
OHCHR Investigation on
Sri Lanka
Individuals, organisations and governments are invited to submit information
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
2021 - A year of defiance
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 31 Dec 2021 21:10 GMT ]

This year has seen an increase in the number of attacks on Tamil journalists and human rights defenders as well as the number of arrests under Sri Lanka's draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act. [Full Story]

India has an upper hand over China in jostle for foothold in Sri Lanka. But it can slip away
[ The Print ] [ 30 Dec 2021 23:30 GMT ]

Colombo has been an important destination in Beijing's strategic inroads not only into the Indian Ocean but the entire Indo-Pacific and India's extended neighbourhood. [Full Story]

Is China Fishing in India's Troubled Waters?
[ The Diplomat ] [ 29 Dec 2021 22:45 GMT ]

The Chinese ambassador’s public diplomacy in Sri Lanka's Northern Province would have won the hearts of the local Tamil population. [Full Story]

'A true friend' - Tamils across the globe pay tribute to Desmond Tutu
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 28 Dec 2021 23:55 GMT ]

We take a pledge to use the moral strength and courage that Archbishop Tutu passed on to us, to continue our advocacy for truth and justice for our fellow Tamils in Sri Lanka who needs to be freed from the decades long genocidal oppression with no further delay'. [Full Story]

Desmond Tutu - the staunch and steadfast healer of a nation
[ BBC ] [ 27 Dec 2021 23:00 GMT ]

Desmond Tutu is remembered with so much joy and affection by so many different people around the world today, that it may seem hard to imagine a time or place when he was viewed, not as a courageous moral crusader, but as a devil. [Full Story]

Balances and benefits in Southern South Asia: The Maldives and Sri Lanka in 2021
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 27 Dec 2021 22:52 GMT ]

The changing geopolitics of South Asia and the Indo-Pacific has broadly impacted island states such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Jaffna in Sri Lanka is a must on your travel bucket list this season!
[ Indulge Express ] [ 26 Dec 2021 23:58 GMT ]

Once an important trading port, the erstwhile Yalpanam (now Jaffna) was an important kingdom in the history of Sri Lanka for centuries, which was then occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British until the country's independence in 1948. [Full Story]

Pope Francis Urbi et Orbi address: World ignoring huge tragedies
[ BBC ] [ 25 Dec 2021 20:00 GMT ]

Pope Francis has warned that the world is becoming so desensitised to crises and suffering that they are now happening while hardly being noticed. [Full Story]

'One Country, One Law': The Sri Lankan State's Hostility toward Muslims Grows Deeper
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 24 Dec 2021 12:33 GMT ]

The state's transition from being structurally discriminatory to openly hostile toward Tamils – a process fed by Sinhala politicians' warnings about the threat the community allegedly posed - ultimately led to three decades of devastating civil war. [Full Story]

A report condemns discrimination against minority refugees in India
[ Mutiny ] [ 23 Dec 2021 23:49 GMT ]

It condemns India's reluctance to grant asylum to refugees fleeing the war, as happened to the Sikh and Hindu minorities in Afghanistan after the capture of Kabul by the Taliban. [Full Story]

Friend or foe? China ventures into the Tamil homeland
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 22 Dec 2021 22:05 GMT ]

For Washington and New Delhi, China's latest advancement demonstrates exactly why engagement with Eelam Tamils remains vital if they want to keep Beijing's influence in check. The Tamils remain crucial partners in the region. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: GTF urges for meaningful course correction
[ SL Guardian ] [ 21 Dec 2021 19:38 GMT ]

It is noteworthy that a joint delegation from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Global Tamil Forum (GTF) recently (w/c 15 November 2021) met with senior US government officials - In Washington. [Full Story]

Human Rights in Sri Lanka in 2021
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 20 Dec 2021 23:25 GMT ]

While this crackdown on dissent in the North and East is neither new nor surprising, throughout the year the government has increased their repression. [Full Story]

UN Experts Urge Reform of Sri Lanka's Counterterrorism Law
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 19 Dec 2021 11:55 GMT ]

The EU should also work with international partners - the United States this month sanctioned two more Sri Lankans linked to grave rights violations - and act to prevent further abuses in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Tamils Urge US Help to Hold Referendum for Political Solution
[ EIN News ] [ 18 Dec 2021 07:45 GMT ]

Tamils overwhelmingly voted in a Parliamentary election in 1977 to establish an independent and sovereign country called Tamil Eelam. This Parliamentary election was conducted by the Sri Lankan Government. [Full Story]

Renewed U.S. focus on Sri Lanka culminates in Targeted Sanctions for Human Rights Violations
[ Pearl ] [ 17 Dec 2021 00:02 GMT ]

The designations relate to two emblematic cases of human rights violations in Sri Lanka which have long drawn criticism for their lack of redress and accountability. [Full Story]

Chinese envoy's high profile visit to Jaffna
[ NewsIn.Asia ] [ 16 Dec 2021 17:54 GMT ]

The Chinese appear determined to establish their diplomatic right to go anywhere or seek development projects anywhere in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Who are the original inhabitants in Sri Lanka?
[ SL Guardian ] [ 15 Dec 2021 23:55 GMT ]

The Tamils were the Original inhabitants of this Island and there have been several waves of Tamil conquest but they only added to the Original indigenous Tamils who continued to live here from pre historic times. [Full Story]

EDITORIAL - Getting serious on Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Dec 2021 23:58 GMT ]

The US and others must enact a coordinated, government-wide policy that is consistent in its approach. [Full Story]

India, Sri Lanka ties complicated from Ramayana times but our tensions are low
[ The Print ] [ 13 Dec 2021 22:47 GMT ]

India has been urging Sri Lanka to implement and enforce the amendment ever since the latter's war with Tamil separatists ended in 2009. [Full Story]

Tamil people welcome the U.S. decision to impose a travel ban on Sri Lankan Military officers and their families for gross violations of human rights
[ BTF ] [ 12 Dec 2021 23:35 GMT ]

We request all other like-minded and democratic countries to take the stand of the U.S. [Full Story]

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Its Relevance to Our Lives
[ SL Guardian ] [ 11 Dec 2021 22:08 GMT ]

'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason, and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.' [Full Story]

The United States Promotes Accountability for Human Rights Violations and Abuses
[ U.S. Department of State ] [ 10 Dec 2021 20:20 GMT ]

The designation of these two Sri Lankan individuals is not the only action we are taking in support of accountability for gross violations of human rights in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sumanthiran speaks on genocide, a political solution and broader US involvement in Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 09 Dec 2021 23:50 GMT ]

The United States is 'not satisfied' with progress in Sri Lanka and is eyeing up a broader involvement in the island's ethnic turmoil, said Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran. [Full Story]

Testimony of John Sifton on Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 08 Dec 2021 19:35 GMT ]

The government is, under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 'in a state of denial about the past,' and there are 'warning signals' that grave rights violations may recur. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Malaiyaha Tamils in dire straits: expert
[ The Hindu ] [ 07 Dec 2021 23:12 GMT ]

Modern slavery has ethnic dimension in island nation, UN Special Rapporteur notes during visit. [Full Story]

Testimony of Ambika Satkunanathan on Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 06 Dec 2021 21:58 GMT ]

Support a political solution that addresses the root causes of the ethnic conflict. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka begins trials connected to 2019 Easter Sunday bombings
[ Aljazeera ] [ 05 Dec 2021 07:40 GMT ]

On Sunday, dozens of Catholic community members held protests and laid flowers at multiple events organised to remember those lost in the attacks. [Full Story]

Preserving Sri Lankan Heritage, or Entrenching Buddhist Supremacy?
[ Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice ] [ 04 Dec 2021 14:45 GMT ]

It is very concerning that the government and armed forces are explicitly partisan actors, who intervene on behalf of Buddhism in these conflicts and build their own Buddhist shrines. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: UN expert calls for 'inclusive society' to end scourge of slavery
[ UN Human Rights Council ] [ 03 Dec 2021 12:15 GMT ]

'I witnessed first-hand that Malayaha Tamils are disproportionally affected by marginalization, discrimination, exploitative working conditions and appalling living conditions,' the expert said. [Full Story]

Assembly supports Tamil Heritage Month
[ Greater London Authority ] [ 02 Dec 2021 18:52 GMT ]

We call on the Mayor of London and the London boroughs to ensure these occasions are marked and that our much-valued Tamil community is supported across the city.' [Full Story]

Nuns help children cope with trauma from Sri Lanka's war
[ Global Sisters Report ] [ 01 Dec 2021 23:15 GMT ]

Sriya lost her parents and sister in Sri Lanka's civil war, but her eyes still reflect the trauma even after 12 years. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's 'Reconciliation Army' slams journalists for exposing brutal attack
[ Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka ] [ 30 Nov 2021 22:50 GMT ]

The Sri Lanka army along with the other security forces has continued to attack journalists and activists-in particular the North and East as they continue to speak about reconciliation. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan soldiers accused of brutally attacking Tamil journalist covering commemoration of civil war dead
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 29 Nov 2021 17:14 GMT ]

The Tamils alleged that thousands were massacred during the final stages of the war that ended in 2009. [Full Story]

Maaveerar Naal observed across the UK
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 28 Nov 2021 21:50 GMT ]

UK Tamils joined the Tamil nation in observing Maaveerar Naal - Great Heroes Day - to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in the Tamil struggle for liberation. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan troops break up Tamil remembrance of civil war dead
[ Al Jazeera ] [ 27 Nov 2021 23:55 GMT ]

Grieving relatives forced out of cemeteries as they attempted to light lamps at graves of loved ones who died in the decades-long conflict. [Full Story]

TNA seeks joint U.S.-India role for Sri Lanka political solution
[ The Hindu ] [ 26 Nov 2021 23:58 GMT ]

'With the U.S. returning to the Human Rights Council, we think it is important that Washington advocates a political solution to the Tamil national question, along with pending issues of accountability and justice,' Mr. Sumanthiran told. [Full Story]

Will 'One Nation, One Law' and the new Constitution meet
[ Colombo Gazette ] [ 25 Nov 2021 19:51 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan State and the majority Sinhala polity are out to destroy the centuries-old ethnic identities of the minorities and their social and cultural practices. [Full Story]

New program in Western Sydney is helping Tamil refugees haunted by Sri Lankan civil war
[ ABC ] [ 24 Nov 2021 23:49 GMT ]

It's been more than a decade since the Sri Lankan civil war but for Kohilla the trauma from the brutal conflict remains vivid. [Full Story]

Unable to access our lands, say Tamils in Jaffna village
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 Nov 2021 23:39 GMT ]

His problem is yet another reflection of a widespread concern in Sri Lanka's Tamil-majority north and east. [Full Story]

UK says Sri Lanka's human rights situation deteriorated in first half of 2021
[ Foreign, Commonwealth Office UK ] [ 22 Nov 2021 22:45 GMT ]

The UNHRC adopted resolution 46/1 in March, expressing serious concern about these trends, and stressing the importance of a comprehensive accountability process for all human rights violations and abuses committed in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Is Srilanka a Chinese colony?
[ Goa Chronicle ] [ 21 Nov 2021 09:25 GMT ]

The Tamil question is far from resolved, as Colombo is soft-pedalling the devolution of power. [Full Story]

Wartime organic farming lessons for peacetime
[ LBO ] [ 20 Nov 2021 23:45 GMT ]

Wartime solutions are rarely peacetime answers. But the need for high efficiency and high impact during the terrible times of conflict can provide some guidance for the easier times of peace. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan president's 'One Country, One Law' taskforce will provoke racial tensions
[ World Socialist Web Site ] [ 19 Nov 2021 20:33 GMT ]

Rajapakse;s claim that the aim is to eliminate discrimination and treat all citizens equally is a gross lie. [Full Story]

Tamil Rights Group takes Fight for Justice to the International Criminal Court
[ Toronto Star ] [ 18 Nov 2021 11:06 GMT ]

Many Eelam Tamil refugees have fled to Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, which are all countries that are party to the Rome Statue. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka in crisis: Repression, protests and geopolitical tensions
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 17 Nov 2021 00:05 GMT ]

Overall the policy prescription of the regime are all signs towards anarchy and a crisis worsening by the day. [Full Story]

Don't Let China Dictate US and Indian Policy on Sri Lanka
[ The Diplomat ] [ 16 Nov 2021 23:55 GMT ]

The principal obstacle to this is not China but the dominance of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and the economic and political outcomes it seeks. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Tamil resistance continues despite repression
[ Green Left ] [ 15 Nov 2021 16:08 GMT ]

'Despite more than 12 years since the end of the armed conflict, in which tens of thousands of Tamils were killed, the Sri Lankan military continues to occupy vast swathes of land across the North-East.' [Full Story]

'I can do that if I want to' - Rajapaksa warns of military rule
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Nov 2021 01:44 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's war crimes accused president Gotabaya Rajapaksa warned that he had the ability to enforce 'a military system' on the island if he wanted to. [Full Story]

Catholic Bishops condemn state sponsored demographic changes in Tamil regions
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 13 Nov 2021 22:32 GMT ]

'Seized land has not been returned to Tamils. Meanwhile it is bringing Sinhalese from outside to annihilate another nationality,' said the lawmaker from Jaffna. [Full Story]

Reel Asian film Tigress depicts a personal conflict within the Tamil conflict
[ NOW Magazine ] [ 12 Nov 2021 19:09 GMT ]

The film is about a Tamil father and his daughter being re-traumatized during the Canadian National Exhibition, when roaring war planes fly above and trigger memories of genocide in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Tamil National Alliance to hold talks with US State Department
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 11 Nov 2021 11:42 GMT ]

It is expected that the TNA delegation would advocate for more expansive provisions for autonomy than the present constitution allows. [Full Story]

Why The Tamils Should Stay Away From Sri Lanka's New Constitution
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 10 Nov 2021 23:51 GMT ]

The TNA should form a grand alliance of Tamil or minority political parties to ward off a new constitution. [Full Story]

International Community Should Refer Sri Lanka to the ICC
[ International Policy Digest ] [ 09 Nov 2021 23:45 GMT ]

They should help families of the disappeared and other victims of atrocity crimes by referring Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court. [Full Story]

Remembering Raviraj - 15 years on and still no justice
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 08 Nov 2021 23:58 GMT ]

Despite 15 years passing since his assassination, no one has been held accountable for the murder. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka must be held accountable for war crimes
[ Courier-Journal ] [ 07 Nov 2021 18:20 GMT ]

The only way for this issue to be solved is for the UN to impose sanctions on Sri Lanka, give Tamil Eelam people right to live in their country as a citizen without any laws that discriminate against them. [Full Story]

Torture victim accuses Police Scotland training unit of bolstering brutal Sri Lankan regime
[ Sunday Post ] [ 06 Nov 2021 00:29 GMT ]

A torture victim who claims to have been savagely beaten and had a petrol-dowsed bag tied around his head by Sri Lankan police says Scotland’s national force is being used to whitewash the country's brutal regime. [Full Story]

Submission filed with International Criminal Court to investigate Sri Lanka
[ Global Rights Compliance ] [ 05 Nov 2021 07:00 GMT ]

A landmark legal submission has been filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC) calling on the Chief Prosecutor to 'nvestigate and in due course arrest' several senior Sri Lankan officials for crimes against humanity. [Full Report PDF]

What Sri Lanka did may qualify as war crime: Norwegian diplomat Erik Solheim
[ The Week ] [ 04 Nov 2021 09:25 GMT ]

Solheim was in Chennai recently on WRI business. [Full Story]

'Police Scotland should not train human rights abusers but investigate them'
[ The Herald ] [ 03 Nov 2021 00:05 GMT ]

A number of Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka have alleged they were abducted and tortured by the Sri Lankan Police and the Sri Lankan Army. [Full Story]

As Impressive As Angkor Wat: Brihadisvara Temple Is UNSECO-Listed And A Jaw-Dropping Experience
[ The Travel ] [ 02 Nov 2021 00:54 GMT ]

Raja Raja Chola was a Chola emperor who ruled over ancient Tamil Nadu as well as parts of what is today Sri Lanka and Malaya from 985 to 1014. [Full Story]

Stalin greets Anita Anand, a person of Tamil origin, appointed as Canada Minister
[ UNITED NEWS OF INDIA ] [ 01 Nov 2021 12:15 GMT ]

Ms Anita Anand, a person of Tamil origin, who was appointed as Canada Minister of National Defence. [Full Story]

What Sri Lanka can learn from India
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 31 Oct 2021 02:33 GMT ]

Federalism would not lead to disintegration of existing states; it would pave the way for the establishment of a state where multiple identities can coexist harmoniously. [Full Story]

Hardline monk to head legal reforms panel in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 30 Oct 2021 14:00 GMT ]

Sri Lanka also has the Kandyan Law and Thesawalamai Law, pertaining respectively to the Sinhalese and Tamil community. [Full Story]

Submission filed with International Criminal Court to investigate Sri Lanka | Tamil Guardian
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 29 Oct 2021 07:00 GMT ]

'This new initiative shows that there are some viable options to get international justice outside multilateral bodies such as UN Human Rights Council,' said one lawyer [Full Story]

2nd International Symposium on Tamil Arts and Culture Studies in FRANCE - Theme: Mental and bodily health
[ Kalpana ] [ 28 Oct 2021 00:54 GMT ]

'What are the literary and scientific bibliographic resources and research on this subject in Tamil culture? [Full Story]

Controversial Sri Lankan monk heads legal reforms panel
[ France24 ] [ 27 Oct 2021 02:25 GMT ]

Successive governments have promised but largely failed to deliver accountability for wartime atrocities and ethnic reconciliation on the island of 21 million people. [Full Story]

Requiem for a remembrance
[ Himal Southasian ] [ 26 Oct 2021 18:02 GMT ]

'Time never seemed to be heading anywhere but was always circling, returning, and repeating, bringing the self back to itself.' [Full Story]

A festering crisis in the Palk Strait
[ The Hindu ] [ 25 Oct 2021 14:00 GMT ]

India and Sri Lanka must urgently refocus their energies to address this crisis. As the first step, Tamil Nadu must consider a moratorium on bottom trawling in the Palk Strait. [Full Story]

'There is no middle ground' - Sumanthiran speaks on devolution, development and police brutality in Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 24 Oct 2021 23:55 GMT ]

The attitude of the Government towards those who live in the North and East must change first. There must be a recognition that they too are equal stakeholders in the country. [Full Story]

Shrinking Space for Religious Minorities in Sri Lanka
[ The Diplomat ] [ 23 Oct 2021 23:59 GMT ]

'If the government chooses to implement measures that further limit religious minorities’ enjoyment of religious freedom, the road to reconciliation will be even longer than before.' [Full Story]

OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project (2021)
[ UN High Commissioner for Human Rights ] [ 22 Oct 2021 07:33 GMT ]

In accordance with this mandate, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights established the OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project. The team is based in Geneva. [Full Story]

When Impunity Becomes the Norm
[ Ground Views ] [ 21 Oct 2021 23:10 GMT ]

There is new vigour towards international justice with several processes underway including the evidence-gathering mechanism established via the UNHRC, attempts at universal jurisdiction, and other initiatives where the wheels of justice are starting to turn. [Full Story]

Impunity for All: Sri Lankan Courts Drop Charges Against Admiral Accused of War Crimes
[ The Organization for World Peace ] [ 20 Oct 2021 22:15 GMT ]

There will be no sustainable peace in Sri Lanka until justice is served. [Full Story]

Reading Sri Lanka's separatist war
[ News In Asia ] [ 19 Oct 2021 22:45 GMT ]

But that had the leaders decided differently, it would never have produced a situation which required military intervention. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: From burning houses to burning bodies: Anti-Muslim violence, discrimination and harassment in Sri Lanka
[ Amnesty International ] [ 18 Oct 2021 20:02 GMT ]

Sri Lanka’s Muslim community have faced incidents of violence, discrimination and harassment for decades. [Full Report]

Gotabaya declares 'new constitution and electoral system' for Sri Lanka in military speech
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 17 Oct 2021 23:45 GMT ]

It remains to be seen what Sri Lanka's newly proposed constitution will entail. [Full Story]

India Competes for Sri Lanka's Affections
[ The Diplomat ] [ 16 Oct 2021 21:30 GMT ]

In February, Sri Lanka scrapped a 2019 trilateral agreement with India and Japan to develop the Eastern Container Terminal of the Port of Colombo. [Full Story]

UN human rights chief highlights work on Sri Lanka in report to General Assembly
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 15 Oct 2021 19:55 GMT ]

The UNHRC highlighted her office's work on transitional justice and enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka as part of an update delivered to the UN General Assembly earlier this week. [Full Story]

University of Jaffna's new Dean of the Faculty of Medicine talks about international engagement
[ LBO ] [ 14 Oct 2021 01:15 GMT ]

The Diaspora can do more to create opportunities for the people to become self reliant. Good training, good jobs, good opportunities are more valuable than free money deepening the sense of passive de-energising helplessness. [Full Story]

UK and Sri Lanka discuss bilateral relations and human rights
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 13 Oct 2021 00:30 GMT ]

The meeting with the British authorities comes as senior MPs across the isle have urged the British government to impose bilateral pressure on Sri Lanka to ensure 'accountability for mass atrocities, and a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Tamil people'. [Full Story]

White vans and war crimes - Yohani's Sri Lankan military connection
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 12 Oct 2021 22:45 GMT ]

'Instead of Sri Lankan artists using music to whitewash the horrors of the crimes committed, more in the South should be exploring art as a way to confront the truth of the genocide,' [Full Story]

Sri Lankan government rules out early Provincial Council polls
[ The Week ] [ 11 Oct 2021 18:06 GMT ]

In March, India at the UNHRC in Geneva stressed that there is a need for Sri Lanka to hold provincial elections as soon as possible. [Full Story]

Online rally calls for refugees to be given safe haven
[ Green Left ] [ 10 Oct 2021 02:51 GMT ]

More than 300 people took part in an online rally organised by the Tamil Refugee Council (TRC) on October 2 to demand protections for refugees and ensure they are not deported to danger. [Full Story]

Issues in Sri Lankan education
[ News In Asia ] [ 09 Oct 2021 00:40 GMT ]

The progress and security of any nation depends upon national unity and emotional integration of its people. [Full Story]

Tamil activists speak out for rights here and in Sri Lanka
[ Green Left ] [ 08 Oct 2021 10:22 GMT ]

The best way is to listen to our stories. Hear our explanations of what has occurred and what still continues to occur. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka agrees to change its terrorism law in order to keep its EU trade deal
[ The Washington Today ] [ 07 Oct 2021 13:50 GMT ]

After accusing Colombo of failing to secure justice for alleged war crimes and to protect human rights, the EU withdrew GSP Plus in 2010. After pledges of improvements, the concessions were reinstated in 2017. [Full Story]

Foreign Secy Shringla, Sri Lankan Prez Discuss Tourism & Post-COVID Economic Revival
[ Republic World ] [ 06 Oct 2021 16:05 GMT ]

'Foreign Secretary reiterated India's longstanding support for the reconciliation that addresses aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity within the united Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

'Hold Provincial Elections at the Earliest': India Tells Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa
[ The Wire ] [ 05 Oct 2021 20:07 GMT ]

There had been perception in New Delhi that the Rajapaksa administration was stalling the implementation of India-sponsored development projects. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan power couple piled up luxury homes, artworks and cash offshore as ruling family rose and rose
[ Intl Consortium of Investigative Journalists ] [ 04 Oct 2021 23:19 GMT ]

They were able to amass and hide their fortune in secrecy jurisdictions with the assistance of financial services providers. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka needs to walk the talk to make peace with Tamils
[ The Times of India ] [ 30 Sep 2021 22:01 GMT ]

Sri Lanka will have to tone down its majoritarian Sinhala Buddhist narrative, ease militarisation of the administration, and ensure visible progress is made in delivering transitional justice to the affected and resume ethnic reconciliation process. [Full Story]

After Returning Home, War Refugees Face Thorny Obstacle
[ Global Press Journal ] [ 29 Sep 2021 21:09 GMT ]

More than 1.5 million Sri Lankans were uprooted by fighting that killed more than 70,000 people and left 20,000 missing. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Rights Abuses Jeopardize EU Trade Benefits
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 28 Sep 2021 01:33 GMT ]

In June 2021, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for Sri Lanka to comply with its human rights obligations if it is to continue enjoying European Union trading preferences. [Full Story]

Five different language versions of viral Sri Lankan song 'Manike Mage Hithe' which will blow your mind
[ Jagran English ] [ 27 Sep 2021 10:25 GMT ]

She did a Tamil cover for the fans too which garnered good number of views on YouTube. [Full Story]

Tamil family given 12-month visas but no reunion in Biloela
[ The Sydney Morning Herald ] [ 26 Sep 2021 17:50 GMT ]

But the family are still stuck in Perth, where they live in detention in the community. [Full Story]

Tamil relatives of disappeared reject Sri Lanka president's 'death certificate' offer
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 25 Sep 2021 12:45 GMT ]

Coming under intense international pressure the President in yet another act of placating the international community and the families of the war affected has told the UNSG that he would address their issues. [Full Story]

Tamil Diaspora ready to engage with President
[ MenaFn ] [ 24 Sep 2021 00:30 GMT ]

'We are ready to talk to anybody if grievances of our people, in fact, grievances of all peoples of Sri Lanka can be resolved,' [Full Story]

Fifteen Countries Ask UN Human Rights Chief To Leave Sri Lanka Alone - OpEd
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 23 Sep 2021 09:55 GMT ]

UNHRC chief commented on many internal governance issues and made a vain attempt to link them to the so-called human rights violations... [Full Story]

A significant omission in Lanka envoy's document
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 22 Sep 2021 10:34 GMT ]

Unless the Sinhalese start speaking of democracy with respect for diversity and power-sharing, India-Lanka relations would be subjected to severe stresses and strains. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan President discusses reconciliation with UN chief Antonio Guterres
[ The Hindu ] [ 21 Sep 2021 15:15 GMT ]

International rights groups claim at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the final stages of the war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's political detainees tortured in custody: Rights group
[ Al Jazeera ] [ 20 Sep 2021 18:35 GMT ]

The UN has given its human rights boss, Michelle Bachelet, a mandate to collect evidence of crimes against humanity committed during the civil war. [Full Story]

UN Human Rights Council 48: Core Group statement on Sri Lanka
[ Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ] [ 19 Sep 2021 12:45 GMT ]

UK Ambassador to the UN and WTO Simon Manley gave a statement on behalf of the Core Group of Sri Lanka about issues including reconciliation and accountability. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan born Kamzy Gunaratnam elected to Norway Parliament
[ CG ] [ 18 Sep 2021 00:15 GMT ]

Jonas Gahr Støre's Labour Party won the Norwegian parliamentary election. Gunaratnam was elected to Parliament through the Labour Party. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees continue to demand Indian citizenship
[ India Today ] [ 17 Sep 2021 10:50 GMT ]

What is the point of living a life of a refugee till the end? [Full Story]

Will TN host Tamil conference again?
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 16 Sep 2021 08:00 GMT ]

The preliminary work in organising the 11th World Tamil Conference (WTC), that has been on informally for the past several months. [Full Story]

UN rights chief puts Sri Lanka abuses in spotlight
[ UCAN ] [ 15 Sep 2021 02:15 GMT ]

The UN rights chief has urged member states to pay close attention to human rights developments in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Oral Update on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka
[ UN Human Rights Council ] [ 14 Sep 2021 13:25 GMT ]

My Office's work to implement the accountability-related aspects of Resolution 46/1 has begun, pending recruitment of a start-up team. We have developed an information and evidence repository with nearly 120,000 individual items already held by the UN. [Full Story]

China in Palk Strait
[ The Statesman ] [ 13 Sep 2021 17:25 GMT ]

China's interest in spreading its wings in the Indian Ocean Region is well known. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: UN Rights Council Scrutiny Crucial | Human Rights Watch
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 12 Sep 2021 23:50 GMT ]

'No one should be in any doubt that Sri Lanka's human rights situation is deeply alarming and getting worse,' Ganguly said. [Full Story]

Chinese expansion plans on Sri Lankan islands off Tamil Nadu
[ Times Now ] [ 12 Sep 2021 23:45 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan Cabinet has given a go-ahead to Chinese companies to install three hybrid renewable projects. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Tamil parties discuss backing the US sponsored UNHRC resolution
[ WSWS ] [ 11 Sep 2021 23:49 GMT ]

Widespread anger is brewing among the Tamil masses over these repressive actions by the military which has occupied the North and East for decades. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan detainees tortured while in custody, rights group alleges
[ CNN ] [ 10 Sep 2021 22:59 GMT ]

The United Nations has given its human rights boss, Michelle Bachelet, a mandate to collect evidence of crimes against humanity committed during the civil war. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA'S GOVERNMENT LYING ABOUT REPRESSION OF TAMIL PEOPLE
[ Black Star News ] [ 09 Sep 2021 23:10 GMT ]

The government’s activities align with the characteristics of an ethnocratic state aiming to eradicate the history and culture of the Tamil people and maintain the supremacy of the Sinhalese nation across Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees | Rehabilitation welcome but citizenship elusive
[ The Hindu ] [ 08 Sep 2021 23:50 GMT ]

The only reason Mr.Pathinathan returned home was that he could no longer bear the tag of refugee. Such a feeling is there even among many living in the camps and outside, while some others are longing for Indian citizenship. [Full Story]

'Mete out justice before we die' - Families of disappeared Tamils to UN High Commissioner
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 07 Sep 2021 19:10 GMT ]

It expressed the Association's disappointment at the High Commissioner's 'praise (of) the incompetent OMP which we had already rejected. [Full Story]

New ITJP report documents ongoing abduction, torture and rape of Tamils in the North-East
[ International Truth and Justice Project ] [ 06 Sep 2021 22:45 GMT ]

Young Sri Lankan Tamil torture victims are enduring extraordinary journeys to reach safety in the UK. [Full Story]

Proof of civilisation 3,200 years ago in Tamil Nadu: Stalin
[ Hindustan Times ] [ 05 Sep 2021 19:10 GMT ]

State chief minister MK Stalin said on Thursday, citing scientific evidence for the same - a finding that means a thriving city-based river valley civilisation existed in the state, coinciding with the latter half of the Indus Valley civilisation. [Full Story]

SL Catholic Church to take Easter Sunday blasts to UNHRC in Geneva
[ The Statesman ] [ 04 Sep 2021 22:09 GMT ]

The Sri Lanka Catholic Church has vowed to complain to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva against the government's failure to carry out justice for the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. [Full Story]

State govts must play a role in India's foreign policy
[ The News Minute ] [ 03 Sep 2021 19:10 GMT ]

Federalism can also inform the way the Union government seeks to achieve its foreign policy goals in the larger interest of the nation. [Full Story]

Families of Sri Lanka's Forcibly Disappeared Denied Justice
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 02 Sep 2021 19:10 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government needs to reverse course and allow justice to be done. [Full Story]

China expands its activities to Sri Lanka's north; India worried
[ Times of India ] [ 01 Sep 2021 18:20 GMT ]

China's fresh attempts to expand its footprint in northern Sri Lanka in the garb of infrastructure projects, with Beijing even making efforts to woo the ethnic Tamil community there. [Full Story]

International day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
[ BTF ] [ 31 Aug 2021 20:02 GMT ]

On the International Day of the Disappeared we remember and mourn all those who have intentionally and deliberately made to disappear in the island of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Statement on International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2021
[ United Nations in Sri Lanka ] [ 30 Aug 2021 17:15 GMT ]

The United Nations stands in solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearances, their families and communities, here in Sri Lanka and across the world. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA Tamil mothers protest over missing loved ones
[ Asia News ] [ 29 Aug 2021 23:42 GMT ]

In Sri Lanka, the missing remain an open wound years after the civil war. [Full Story]

Separate & unequal: Malaysian Indian Tamil proletariat
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 28 Aug 2021 21:21 GMT ]

The Tamils try to retain their traditions while at the same time adjusting to the life of the host countries. [Full Story]

This Sri Lankan spot serves fresh, fantastic hoppers - sweet and savoury
[ CBC ] [ 27 Aug 2021 23:58 GMT ]

This a Tamil delicacy, also known as Appam. It's common in parts of South Indian and especially Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

'They are not orphaned: MK Stalin renames 'Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee Camp' to 'Rehabilitation Camp'
[ Times Now ] [ 26 Aug 2021 23:59 GMT ]

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had on Friday declared schemes worth Rs 317.4 crore for the welfare of the Lankan Tamil refugees in the state. [Full Story]

Obituary - Mangala Samaraweera | Tamil Guardian
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 25 Aug 2021 23:55 GMT ]

Whilst the Tamil National Alliance also paid tribute to his active efforts 'for a political solution to the Tamil national question', other Tamil reactions have been more muted. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka former finance minister Mangala Samaraweera passes away
[ Economy Next ] [ 24 Aug 2021 21:21 GMT ]

'A free thinker in politics, he stayed true to his principles even when doing so would be politically disadvantageous to him,' [Full Story]

Worldwide Tamil Diaspora Organizations Call for International Arbitration in Negotiations with Sri Lanka for a Political Solution
[ BTF ] [ 23 Aug 2021 22:00 GMT ]

And on any outcome, we once again reiterate the rights and responsibilities of the global Tamil diaspora as appropriate stakeholders. [Full Story]

'We had to speak up for our friends': the little town that roared for a desperate family
[ The Sydney Morning Herald ] [ 22 Aug 2021 02:51 GMT ]

What we're actually fighting for are Australia's values, too, and it took this for the rest of the nation to remember that.' [Full Story]

The faceless and forgotten Indian Origin Tamils of the Wanni
[ NewsIn Asia ] [ 21 Aug 2021 11:47 GMT ]

Few in Sri Lanka are aware that a substantial part of the population of the Wanni region in North Sri Lanka, comprising the districts of Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar, are Indian Origin Tamils. [Full Story]

UK: Police Scotland Reviews Sri Lankan Police Training
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 20 Aug 2021 01:45 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan police have also targeted ethnic and religious minorities for abuse, suppressed dissent, and narrowed the space for civil society organizations. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Polarizing Centre - An Indian View
[ SL Guardian ] [ 19 Aug 2021 08:10 GMT ]

Mahinda Rajapaksa, who returned to power in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, is rapidly tightening the Rajapaksa family's grip on power in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Dragonboats come to Jaffna
[ LBO ] [ 18 Aug 2021 21:45 GMT ]

They came together to kick-off dragonboat racing, canoeing, and the Swim for Safety programmes in Jaffna. [Full Story]

August 18, 1981, Forty Years Ago: Lanka violence
[ The Indian Express ] [ 17 Aug 2021 23:15 GMT ]

The incidents have been reported from parts of the country with Tamils being the worst affected. [Full Story]

British Tamils and MPs welcome suspension of Sri Lankan police training
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 16 Aug 2021 00:30 GMT ]

Responding to Police Scotland's decision to suspend training for Sri Lankan officers due to human rights concerns, British Tamils activist groups and MPs welcomed the decision but also demanded further action. [Full Story]

Britain issues ultimatum as trade spat erupts
[ The Express UK ] [ 15 Aug 2021 22:21 GMT ]

It comes after a report released by NGO Human Rights Watch highlighted increasing police brutality, detentions, and extra-judicial killings being undertaken by the Sri Lankan law enforcement. [Full Story]

British Foreign Secretary ensures funding to investigate Sri Lankan war crimes
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Aug 2021 18:45 GMT ]

'We will continue to monitor the implementation of this mechanism closely, and engage as appropriate, including in budget negotiations in the autumn'. [Full Story]

World on the city's plate
[ The Hindu ] [ 13 Aug 2021 23:45 GMT ]

Chennai's cuisine is influenced by communities from the around the world that call it home. [Full Story]

Why aspirations of ethnic minorities matter
[ SL Guardian ] [ 12 Aug 2021 23:44 GMT ]

In a perfect world, and in Sri Lanka, one could have learnt lessons from history. It does not appear that lessons have been learnt. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Police Abuses Surge Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 11 Aug 2021 11:50 GMT ]

Suspend International Assistance to Abusive Law Enforcement Agencies. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka has world's 2nd-highest number of enforced disappearances: Rights group
[ ANI News ] [ 10 Aug 2021 08:30 GMT ]

Today's decision pushes justice further out of reach for the families of the victims. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Bridging the 'growing trust-deficit' with the Indian neighbour
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 09 Aug 2021 20:10 GMT ]

'In recent years, the Indo-Sri Lanka bilateral relationship has been increasingly dominated by a transactional approach.' [Full Story]

Intimidation of Tamil Journalists continues unabated in Sri Lanka
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 08 Aug 2021 00:10 GMT ]

Those who dare to report are exposed to two dangers. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: A NEW NOVEL REOPENS WOUNDS OF WAR
[ Asia Media International ] [ 07 Aug 2021 01:09 GMT ]

And all will recognize that universal, timeworn, tragic truth: Wars don't end when troops leave. Body counts are just a fraction of the sum total costs of war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Authorities falter on accountability in 'Navy 11' case
[ Amnesty International ] [ 06 Aug 2021 11:25 GMT ]

The 'Navy 11' case refers to the enforced disappearance of 11 Tamil youth in 2008-2009, allegedly in an abduction racket spearheaded by members of the Sri Lankan Navy. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Into the Abyss
[ SL Guardian ] [ 05 Aug 2021 17:29 GMT ]

So perhaps preparation is already afoot to make us a distant province of China in anticipation of where we are heading! [Full Story]

MUTTUR : 15 YEARS OF INDIFFERENCE
[ Action contre La Faim ] [ 04 Aug 2021 21:14 GMT ]

These men and women, identified as humanitarian workers, were murdered in their offices while working to help the victims of the tsunami. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Not Safe for Tamils - National Online Rally
[ Honi Soit ] [ 03 Aug 2021 01:40 GMT ]

The protest targeted issues about the mistreatment of Asylum seekers. [Full Story]

A medai for musical musings
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 02 Aug 2021 15:05 GMT ]

The Madras Medai Podcast brings Indian and UK musicians on one platform to help artistes explore the music ecosystem. [Full Story]

From refugee to Oslo's deputy mayor: Kamzy's inspiring journey
[ Aliran ] [ 01 Aug 2021 14:00 GMT ]

Refugees and immigrants in most countries often show grit and persistence, contributing enormously to their adopted countries. [Full Story]

'India wants Sri Lanka to deliver on legitimate aspirations of Tamils'
[ The Hindu ] [ 31 Jul 2021 20:45 GMT ]

It reiterated its stand that 'respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka'. [Full Story]

Tides urges state to hold World Tamil Conference in Trichy
[ Times of India ] [ 30 Jul 2021 10:41 GMT ]

This time, Trichy should host the conference as recognition of the history of the city, which dates back to 2nd century BC. [Full Story]

Inglorious war, fought gloriously in Lanka
[ The Tribune ] [ 29 Jul 2021 19:05 GMT ]

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was lucky to have escaped a major head injury when a Sri Lanka soldier swung a rifle at him during a guard of honour. [Full Story]

In Sri Lanka, teachers resist Bill 'militarising' education
[ The Hindu ] [ 28 Jul 2021 23:10 GMT ]

'The proposed KDU Bill offers a privatised, military model of higher education, which will take Sri Lanka on a trajectory towards militarisation of society as a whole.' [Full Story]

When a Tamil army once invaded Kedah's waters
[ Free Malaysia Today ] [ 27 Jul 2021 07:30 GMT ]

Granted natural access to the Indian Ocean, the Cholas gradually carved out a strong maritime and mercantile empire, leveraging their position as a midpoint between China and Rome. [Full Story]

Statement by the Prime Minister on the 38th anniversary of Black July
[ Canada NewsWire ] [ 26 Jul 2021 17:25 GMT ]

'Today, we join Tamil Canadians and members of the Tamil community around the world to remember the victims of the horrific events of Black July in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Remembering Black July, 38 Years On
[ Pearl Action ] [ 25 Jul 2021 10:20 GMT ]

The international failure to secure criminal or state accountability for historical and recent mass atrocities has reinforced the impunity of the Sri Lankan state for atrocity crimes against Tamils. [Full Story]

'Neeye Oli' rapper Shan Vincent De Paul wants to bring the Tamil diaspora closer to the motherland
[ The Hindu ] [ 24 Jul 2021 19:11 GMT ]

Shan's music now is often about bridging cultural worlds with Tamil identity at its core. [Full Story]

Black July weighs heavily on post-conflict Sri Lanka
[ UCAN ] [ 23 Jul 2021 23:50 GMT ]

Reconciliation remains a distant hope 38 years after Sinhala mobs massacred Tamils [Full Story]

FPJ Anniversary: Nine communities that made Mumbai the jewel it is today
[ Free Press Journal ] [ 22 Jul 2021 22:53 GMT ]

Tamils, with a population of around 76 million and with a documented history stretching back over 2,000 years, are one of the largest and oldest extant ethnolinguistic groups in the world. [Full Story]

Tamil rights: reconciliation still far away
[ Asia News ] [ 21 Jul 2021 22:49 GMT ]

At present, 'There are still 107 refugee camps in various parts of India and 58,000 people who are not recognized as citizens in either country. This is the legacy of Black July 1983.' [Full Story]

Vavuniya Families of the Disappeared mark 1,616 days of protest
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 20 Jul 2021 20:45 GMT ]

Disappeared condemned China's growing influence across the Tamil homeland and its obstruction of justice in holding Sri Lanka accountable for war crimes at the United Nations Security Council. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Protect Garment Workers' Rights During Pandemic
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 19 Jul 2021 14:08 GMT ]

The government and factory owners should take effective steps to isolate workers who test positive, and ensure that those receiving treatment or in isolation or quarantine receive full pay, Human Rights Watch said. [Full Story]

China boosts position in Sri Lanka with Colombo Port City, dealing India major blow
[ THE WEEK ] [ 18 Jul 2021 21:35 GMT ]

China's increasing influence in India's backyard is turning out to be a nightmare, strategically and economically. [Full Story]

Activists could be targeted by Switzerland�s new anti-terrorism law
[ Swissinfo.ch ] [ 17 Jul 2021 09:45 GMT ]

'People risk being apprehended based on certain discriminatory criteria,' says Amnesty International's Swiss spokesperson Nadia Boehlen. [Full Story]

Canadian government grants $26.3 million for Tamil Community Centre in Toronto
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 16 Jul 2021 18:05 GMT ]

This is a result of all governments working to together, and lead by the Tamil community. [Full Story]

A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam review - a journey into the trauma of war
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 15 Jul 2021 12:18 GMT ]

Among people who have experienced so much struggle and trauma, Krishan seems drifting, inconsequential and oddly self-important. [Full Story]

A tale of revival and returns of Sri Lankan Tamils
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 14 Jul 2021 23:50 GMT ]

While the war raged on and politics stood watch, 'hundreds of thousands of Tamils fled the country and left to other parts of the world. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka in Superpowers' battle
[ Sri Lanka Guardian ] [ 13 Jul 2021 20:49 GMT ]

As long as Sri Lanka fails to address domestic issues, foreign powers will have an opportunity to intervene. [Full Story]

LISTEN: Kartik Amarnath on community empowerment
[ Environmental Health News ] [ 12 Jul 2021 23:49 GMT ]

Kartik Amarnath joins the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss his work and advocacy in community self-determination and empowerment, and energy justice. [Full Story]

How India Lost Sri Lanka to China-Starting with Strategic Blunders during Indira Gandhi Regime
[ News18 ] [ 11 Jul 2021 22:48 GMT ]

India was in firm control over the affairs of Sri Lanka till about the end of its bloody civil war in 2009. [Full Story]

CONSEQUENCES OF TAMIL DISUNITY AND THE NEED OF THE HOUR TO STAND UNITED!
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 10 Jul 2021 22:55 GMT ]

This is the least we can do for the over 200,000 people who have sacrificed their lives for freedom during the last forty years. [Full Story PDF]

Rajapaksas Tighten Stronghold In Sri Lanka As Fourth Brother Basil Joins Cabinet As FM
[ Republic World ] [ 09 Jul 2021 23:58 GMT ]

With the inclusion of Basil, who holds a dual US-Sri Lankan citizenship, there is a Rajapaksa at all the top posts in the island nation. [Full Story]

News Analysis | A perception shift in relations between Sri Lanka and China?
[ The Hindu ] [ 08 Jul 2021 23:35 GMT ]

'No matter how many problems we face, Tamils will always stand with India, with whom we have an organic link,' he said. [Full Story]

Thanjavur: Treasure trove of Tamil heritage - Cultural circuit in Chola capital
[ Media India Group ] [ 07 Jul 2021 23:59 GMT ]

'The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting,' says UNESCO. [Full Story]

Stan Swamy: Killed by callousness
[ Media India Group ] [ 06 Jul 2021 19:42 GMT ]

Will activist's death shake judiciary out of its slumber? [Full Story]

Stan Swamy: Jailed activist dies at 84
[ BBC ] [ 05 Jul 2021 16:30 GMT ]

The son of a farmer father and homemaker mother from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Swamy led a school for training leaders of marginalised communities in Bangalore for more than a decade. [Full Story]

Indian dowry payments remarkably stable, study says
[ BBC ] [ 04 Jul 2021 17:47 GMT ]

They found that dowry was paid in 95% of the marriages even though it's been illegal in India since 1961. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Historical Connection With South Indian State Of Kerala - OpEd
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 03 Jul 2021 08:30 GMT ]

While Sri Lanka's connection with the Tamil country in South India is repeatedly mentioned in the island nation's ancient chronicles, its connection with Kerala finds no mention in either. [Full Story]

A plea for justice for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 02 Jul 2021 14:45 GMT ]

The Indian government should pay attention to the tragic plight of the nearly 100,000 refugees, both living in camps and outside. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: LETTER TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA ON AHNAF JAZEEM
[ Amnesty International ] [ 01 Jul 2021 08:30 GMT ]

It is time the international community steps in and raises its voice to protect the rights of the numerous minorities of the country. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Pardons a Meager Response to Abusive Law
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 30 Jun 2021 02:10 GMT ]

'Sri Lanka's international partners need to keep up the pressure until there is genuine reform to end systemic abuses, and not allow themselves to be deflected with unreliable promises or empty gestures.' [Full Story]

Systemic Torture - The Dark Stain on Sri Lanka
[ Ground Views ] [ 29 Jun 2021 01:19 GMT ]

Torture survivors have depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nightmares and difficulties in concentration. Many suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder where they revisit their torture again and again. [Full Story]

What is happening in India and South Asia in 200BCE
[ Time Maps ] [ 28 Jun 2021 00:55 GMT ]

The past centuries have seen the first attempt in history at the conquest of India by a western power, when Alexander the Great briefly led his army into the Indus Valley, in 327 BCE. [Full Story]

A Human Rights Concern: Shrinking Minority Rights in Sri Lanka
[ The Leaflet ] [ 27 Jun 2021 08:30 GMT ]

It is time the international community steps in and raises its voice to protect the rights of the numerous minorities of the country. [Full Story]

Duminda Silva: Anger as Sri Lanka frees politician sentenced for murder
[ BBC ] [ 26 Jun 2021 18:15 GMT ]

With the West toughening its stance on Sri Lanka over its rights violations over the years, Colombo has firmly moved into the Chinese sphere of influence. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan activists seek release of political detainees
[ UCAN ] [ 25 Jun 2021 21:52 GMT ]

Critics say the Prevention of Terrorism Act has permitted a system of abuse to grow with impunity. [Full Story]

Our Campaign Against the Web Series Family Man 2
[ BTF ] [ 24 Jun 2021 09:45 GMT ]

We, as victims of the biggest genocide in this century, note with concern the falsification of the just struggle of Eelam Tamils against the state oppression in the above web series and strongly condemn it. [Full Story]

UNHRC core group concerned over Sri Lanka�s lack of progress on human rights
[ Economy Next ] [ 23 Jun 2021 23:55 GMT ]

In a statement issued on June 22, the group of countries recalled that UNHRC resolution 46/1 had called on the government of Sri Lanka to address the harmful legacies of war and to protect human rights. [Full Story]

UN Human Rights Council 47: Core Group statement on Sri Lanka
[ UK Mission to the UN - Geneva ] [ 22 Jun 2021 17:08 GMT ]

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the recent intention to introduce a rehabilitation process lacking adequate judicial oversight. [Full Story]

Tamil & Tamils: TN makes crucial demands to Centre
[ News Today ] [ 21 Jun 2021 22:55 GMT ]

The Tamilnadu government has urged the Centre to declare Tamil as one of the official languages, besides granting Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka to probe viral social media image showing row of men kneeling in front of soldiers
[ The Independent UK ] [ 20 Jun 2021 23:58 GMT ]

Article 11 of Sri Lanka�s constitution prohibits cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. [Full Story]

She was born in Australia, but the country wants to send her back to alleged war criminals
[ CNN ] [ 19 Jun 2021 10:25 GMT ]

This weekend, rallies are being held around Australia calling for the family to be allowed to return 'home to Bilo.' [Full Story]

India ramps up engagement for Tamil rights in Sri Lanka
[ India Today ] [ 18 Jun 2021 21:00 GMT ]

'Various aspects of devolution and developmental aspirations of the people from the North and East were also discussed. [Full Story]

'Support Tamils to check China's move in Sri Lanka'
[ The Hindu ] [ 17 Jun 2021 09:50 GMT ]

The Union Government under, the observation of the UN, should take efforts to conduct a referendum among the Tamils for creation of Tamil Eelam. [Full Story]

Human Right Commission welcomes release of Tamil family
[ Australian Times ] [ 16 Jun 2021 14:33 GMT ]

Rights groups welcome the decision to temporarily release the Murugappan family from detention on Christmas Island. [Full Story]

Why do Tamil asylum seekers need protection - and why does the Australian government say they don't?
[ The Conversation ] [ 15 Jun 2021 20:25 GMT ]

Australia has also opposed international investigations into war crimes in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Chinese Admiral Zheng He and the Tamils of Sri Lanka
[ NewsIn Asia ] [ 14 Jun 2021 22:39 GMT ]

It remains to be seen whether the Tamil language once again regains its lost position and the respect that entails. [Full Story]

European Parliament Alarmed over Sri Lanka's Rights Situation
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 13 Jun 2021 17:43 GMT ]

The European Parliament today sent a powerful message to Sri Lanka's government that its growing human rights violations will no longer be tolerated. [Full Story]

Amnesty International slams Sri Lanka's discriminatory COVID-19 response
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 12 Jun 2021 02:27 GMT ]

Despite promises to release Tamil political prisoners, the government has failed to do so and the detainees are continuing to die without reprieve. [Full Story]

Fascism, Australian style
[ Red Flag ] [ 11 Jun 2021 00:05 GMT ]

And no way can we continue to tolerate the normalisation of policies that German neo-Nazis seek to emulate. [Full Story]

Deliberate cruelty to punish parents: Former High Court chief justice slams Tamil treatment
[ The Sydney Morning Herald ] [ 10 Jun 2021 22:09 GMT ]

A former High Court chief justice has slammed the 'deliberate cruelty' inflicted on the children of a Tamil family detained on Christmas Island in a warning that Australia must not harm the two young girls. [Full Story]

The situation in Sri Lanka - in particular the arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act
[ European Parliament ] [ 10 Jun 2021 18:29 GMT ]

Whereas nearly 12 years on from the end of the war, domestic initiatives for accountability and reconciliation have repeatedly failed to produce results. [Full Story]

Biloela: Australia pressured to free refugee family detained on Christmas Island
[ BBC ] [ 09 Jun 2021 17:01 GMT ]

'This family should not be in detention - they should be in their community in Biloela,' said Labor's home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally. [Full Story]

One Night In Sri Lanka
[ Madras Courier ] [ 08 Jun 2021 23:55 GMT ]

'What are you Indians doing here? Leave as soon as possible. This is not where you ought to be!'. [Full Story]

Twelve years since the end of Sri Lanka's communal war
[ WSWS ] [ 07 Jun 2021 18:59 GMT ]

The working class cannot defend any of its democratic and social rights without rejecting all forms of nationalism and chauvinism. [Full Story]

How a landmark British ruling may save Tamil activists from deportation to Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 06 Jun 2021 18:59 GMT ]

'This judgment is a landmark, in that it recognises the paranoia of the Sinhala state such that those who hold a belief in Tamil independence qualify as refugees'. [Full Story]

Chinese involvement in Sri Lanka, implications for India
[ Ummid ] [ 05 Jun 2021 12:15 GMT ]

New Delhi cannot afford to antagonize its own Tamil population in Tamil Nadu. [Full Story]

The Precarious Politics and Tamil Eelam in The Family Man 2
[ The Quint ] [ 04 Jun 2021 23:55 GMT ]

The Family Man too is a prolific producer of corpses on all sides, but it always allows some time for an important conversation about family, a dusk time digression on the fight for a homeland and an undead separatist movement, a companionship found under shards of genocide. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka calls on US House Foreign Affairs Committee not to proceed with resolution
[ Menafn ] [ 03 Jun 2021 22:20 GMT ]

Calling for an 'international mechanism' at this juncture is sinister, at a time the present Government has provided a credible transparent domestic process to address the concerns raised, by instituting a Presidential Commission of Inquiry... [Full Story]

1st International Symposium on Tamil Arts and Culture Studies in PARIS - FRANCE on 27 June 2021
[ Kalpana ] [ 02 Jun 2021 14:45 GMT ]

Your contribution and participation will be important for the success of this day. [Full Details]

Rising from the Ashes - Tragic Episode of the Jaffna Library
[ Thesam Publications ] [ 01 Jun 2021 02:10 GMT ]

'Jaffna library, was one of the largest libraries in South Asia. [Full Report PDF]

DFAT urged to retract 'inaccurate' report saying Sri Lankans face low torture risk, following UK court finding
[ SBS ] [ 31 May 2021 22:40 GMT ]

'Successive Australian governments have used DFAT reports to justify deportation of Tamils back to danger,' [Full Story]

Thinking about investing in the Northern Province?
[ LBO ] [ 30 May 2021 23:29 GMT ]

Those who want to invest or donate must take care and put thought into their intentions, to place their generosity where it will be carefully received and achieves the intended results. [Full Story]

India must change its foreign policy over Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 29 May 2021 23:54 GMT ]

Despite the Indian government supporting the Sinhalese against the Tamils, the Sinhalese rulers have sided with China. [Full Story]

US Congress moves ahead with resolution to recognize 'traditional Tamil homeland'
[ Sri Lanka Guardian ] [ 28 May 2021 22:00 GMT ]

The resolution refers to the north east of Sri Lanka as the “traditional Tamil homeland.' [Full Story]

History of Sri Lanka
[ Encyclopedia Britannica ] [ 27 May 2021 10:11 GMT ]

Sri Lanka has had a continuous record of human settlement for more than two millennia, and its civilization has been shaped largely by that of the Indian subcontinent. [Full Story]

Comparing Zionism and Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism
[ Red Flag ] [ 26 May 2021 19:30 GMT ]

The results are the same: the national oppression of one group at the hands of a supremacist state run by increasingly radicalised far-right politicians who often justify their abhorrent actions in religious terms. [Full Story]

Mouse plague deals fresh blow to Australian farmers
[ BBC ] [ 25 May 2021 18:00 GMT ]

Rural Australia has taken a battering over the last few years, with drought, fires and floods. [Full Story]

Twelve years since the end of Sri Lanka's communal war
[ WSWS ] [ 24 May 2021 14:41 GMT ]

With many still living in abject poverty in huts with elementary facilities, around 90,000 war widows in the island's North and East are struggling to survive. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Immigrant Entrepreneurs Bring Taste of Home to NYC's Staten Island
[ Entrepreneur ] [ 23 May 2021 22:15 GMT ]

Taste of home: It was in 2009 that Vijayakumari Devadas, or Viji,decided to open a restaurant. [Full Story]

US Congress introduces resolution calling for international mechanism for crimes committed in Sri Lanka
[ THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - USA ] [ 22 May 2021 12:32 GMT ]

Recognizing 12 years since the end of the war in Sri Lanka on May 18, 2009, honoring the lives lost, and expressing support for justice, accountability, reconciliation, reconstruction, reparation, and reform in Sri Lanka to ensure a lasting peaceful political solution. [Full Report]

SRI LANKA: Cardinal warns of 'Chinese colony' emerging in Sri Lanka
[ UCAN ] [ 21 May 2021 02:17 GMT ]

'At present there are many geopolitical issues in the country. China is on one side, India and the United States on the other side.' [Full Story]

Distrust remains as Sri Lanka's Tamils try to honor their dead
[ UCA News ] [ 20 May 2021 01:45 GMT ]

National Peace Council says the civil war continues in the minds of people 12 years after the conflict ended. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Joint Statement Calls for Immediate Release of Poet Detained for a Year Without Charge
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 19 May 2021 21:20 GMT ]

Authorities continue to use the PTA against some of Sri Lanka's most vulnerable populations. [Full Story]

Film: No Fire Zone - Killing Fields of Sri Lanka
[ NO FIRE ZONE ] [ 18 May 2021 18:00 GMT ]

This film depicts the true story of last few months of Sri Lanka's civil war in May 2009 - Warning: Contains some graphic images. [Full Story]

The Mulliwaikkal divergence
[ The Daily Express ] [ 17 May 2021 23:23 GMT ]

How ceremonies marking the end of the war on May 18 and 19 are keeping up an entrenched conflict between Sinhala and Tamil nationalisms. [Full Story]

Tamils' war memorial in Sri Lanka's Mullaitivu found vandalised
[ The Hindu ] [ 16 May 2021 22:10 GMT ]

Every year, Tamils remember their loved ones on May 18, a day that brings back distressing memories to scores of affected families. [Full Story]

Australia Is Supporting the Oppression of Tamils in Sri Lanka
[ Jacobin magazine ] [ 15 May 2021 14:55 GMT ]

Tamil refugees also remain imprisoned in Australian-run onshore and offshore detention centers. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: POET DETAINED FOR ONE YEAR WITHOUT CHARGE
[ Amnesty International ] [ 14 May 2021 19:33 GMT ]

Ahnaf Jazeem must be immediately released, or promptly charged with internationally recognizable crime using fair trial standards. [Full Story]

India Covid: How law stops NGOs distributing essential aid
[ BBC ] [ 13 May 2021 11:56 GMT ]

NGOs warn an increase in bureaucracy is adding to delays the country cannot afford at this critical time. [Full Story]

Coronavirus in India: 'My city is under siege from Covid-19'
[ BBC ] [ 12 May 2021 00:14 GMT ]

A journey through the city, and the daily struggle of finding medical care, oxygen cylinders and even a space at a crematorium. [Full Story]

REVERSING PROGRESS: THREATS TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND REINFORCED IMPUNITY IN SRI LANKA
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 11 May 2021 01:30 GMT ]

This report, the last of our Keep the Promise series, assesses where limited progress made against the 25 commitments in Resolutions 30/1, 34/1, and 40/1 has been reversed since Sri Lanka's withdrawal. [Full Story]

Genocide Bill against Sri Lanka passed in Canada
[ The Island ] [ 10 May 2021 11:30 GMT ]

The Influential Ontario Legislative Assembly has resolved that Sri Lanka subjected the Tamil community to genocide during the armed conflict. [Full Story]

'Allow suffering to speak:' Treating the oppressive roots of illness
[ Environmental Health News ] [ 09 May 2021 23:54 GMT ]

Sri Lankan Tamil community has endured one of the longest civil wars in modern history, culminating in the indiscriminate massacre of tens of thousands of ethnic Tamil civilians. [Full Story]

Biloela family: Locked up by Australia for three years
[ BBC ] [ 08 May 2021 23:49 GMT ]

The years in detention have left Priya numb. She has developed a deep depression and has very little energy. [Full Story]

Ontario pass Tamil Genocide Education Week bill
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 07 May 2021 22:00 GMT ]

Ontario has passed Bill 104, the Tamil Genocide Education Week Act, recognising the genocide against Tamils in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

This Mother's Day, pay attention to racialized women leading resistance movements, like Tamil mothers
[ The Conversation ] [ 06 May 2021 21:45 GMT ]

These protests were in response to an atrocity that took place near the end of the Sri Lankan civil war, a war that lasted 26 years and ended with genocide. [Full Story]

Mullivaikkal Genocide remembrance event - 18 May 2021
[ BTF ] [ 05 May 2021 23:50 GMT ]

It is common knowledge that the Tamil community in Sri Lanka has suffered repeated 'cycles of violence' at the hands of the Sri Lankan State since independence. [Full Story]

Seeman's aggressive Tamil nationalism strikes a chord, winning more votes than Kamal Haasan and AMMK
[ Scroll.in ] [ 04 May 2021 14:04 GMT ]

From polling about 1% of the vote in 2016, the party has increased its numbers to 6.7% in the 2021 Assembly elections. [Full Story]

A step towards justice for Tamils in Sri Lanka?
[ Open Global Rights ] [ 03 May 2021 19:10 GMT ]

The UNHRC should explore and employ a wide range of tools and mechanisms to address human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. [Full Story]

Why Stalin won | India Today Insight
[ India Today ] [ 02 May 2021 23:45 GMT ]

The DMK chief finally gets his place in the sun after spending nearly half a century in his father's shadow [Full Story]

From the archives: Why is 1980 Tamil Nadu Assembly election worthy of note?
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 01 May 2021 10:41 GMT ]

Following the infamous 1983 carnage of Tamils in Colombo by Singhalese mobs, thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils sought asylum in Tamil Nadu. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Reject 'Political Victimization' Findings
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 30 Apr 2021 21:47 GMT ]

Government Seeks to Absolve Allies for Abuses, Prosecute Officials Pursuing Justice. [Full Story]

Rights bodies urge Sri Lankan govt to set up truth commission
[ UCA News ] [ 29 Apr 2021 23:32 GMT ]

'The commission can find the truth and seek justice for the victims to discover and reveal all these past wrongdoings and to respect the rights of all citizens,' [Full Story]

South Asia: COVID-19 hits marginalized hardest as pandemic used to escalate repression
[ Amnesty International ] [ 28 Apr 2021 17:14 GMT ]

In Sri Lanka, the police warned that legal action would be taken against people publishing posts on social media that were critical of the government's COVID-19 response. [Full Story]

The vice tightens
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 27 Apr 2021 00:07 GMT ]

The placing of sanctions on Sri Lankan officials, the suspending of favourable trade concessions, and the prosecution of war criminals through universal jurisdiction are all tangible and immediate steps that the international community can take in response to Sri Lanka's deterioration. [Full Story]

Joe Biden first US president to formally recognise Armenian genocide
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 26 Apr 2021 02:09 GMT ]

Biden fulfilled his pledge as a candidate to recognise the Armenian genocide. [Full Story]

Issues in India-Sri Lanka Ties
[ Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses ] [ 25 Apr 2021 12:05 GMT ]

Due to the geographic proximity and people-to-people connect, Sri Lanka's political and security stability is in India's interests. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka remains in 'state of denial' over alleged war crimes
[ Nikkei Asia ] [ 24 Apr 2021 08:22 GMT ]

An attempted cover-up that banned journalists and nongovernmental organizations failed to keep news of the incident from leaking out. [Full Story]

'Britain has a duty to protect the people of Sri Lanka'
[ Eastern Eye ] [ 23 Apr 2021 14:55 GMT ]

NEARLY 12 years since the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka, almost no one has been held accountable for international crimes. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Catholics slam govt over Easter attacks probe
[ France24 ] [ 22 Apr 2021 22:45 GMT ]

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday accused the government of stalling investigations into Easter Sunday bombings two years ago that killed 279 people. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Let the world understand……
[ MENAFN ] [ 21 Apr 2021 01:41 GMT ]

Since Gotabaya became President, he has been determined to dismantle the Tamil hereditary land in the North and East. [Full Story]

Continuing tragedy of war widows in Sri Lanka
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 20 Apr 2021 23:25 GMT ]

“So I say to leaders of this world, this nightmare should be gone, please realise once and for all, that a war is never won”. [Full Story]

Our lands are under threat, say Tamils in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province
[ The Hindu ] [ 19 Apr 2021 21:50 GMT ]

Systematic effort to change Tamil areas' demographics, alleges Batticaloa MP. [Full Story]

Book Review: The Orders Were To Rape You
[ Feminism in India ] [ 18 Apr 2021 11:47 GMT ]

Even though the war ended in 2009 officially, the infliction of trauma and violence on the Tamil population in Sri Lanka continues to this day. [Full Story]

Prince Philip funeral: Duke of Edinburgh laid to rest
[ BBC ] [ 17 Apr 2021 17:00 GMT ]

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Queen was seated alone and only 30 people were able to attend. [Full Story]

A Step Towards Justice For The 26 Year Civil War In Sri Lanka?
[ Forbes ] [ 16 Apr 2021 01:41 GMT ]

The deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka is an early warning for all other post-conflict situations where the issue of justice is neglected. Impunity will beget further crimes. [Full Story]

Submit or suffer: P2P and muzzling peaceful protest
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 15 Apr 2021 00:25 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's constitution guarantees the right to the freedom of speech, association and assembly. [Full Story]

Happy Puthandu 2021: Tamil New Year Images, Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Cards, Greetings ...
[ Times of India ] [ 14 Apr 2021 07:00 GMT ]

Puthandu Vazthukal. God bless you and keep you safe always. May the coming year be the best ever for your. Happy New Year to you. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka looks to block universal jurisdiction prosecutions for war crimes
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 13 Apr 2021 20:33 GMT ]

The announcement comes as pressure grows on governments around the world to hold Sri Lanka officials accountable for mass atrocities. [Full Story]

The Facts - 23rd March 2021 Resolution No 46/L.1 Rev.1 of UNHRC The way forward
[ BTF ] [ 12 Apr 2021 20:02 GMT ]

The international community will, no doubt, become alive to the true nature of the political road map of the GOSL. [Full Story]

India: How eating online is bringing women money - and freedom
[ BBC ] [ 11 Apr 2021 09:30 GMT ]

But for a growing number of women in India, they've become a route to financial independence, as well as a way to challenge the country's social conventions around women's behaviour. [Full Story]

Tamil Freedom and Continuing Human Rights Violations in Sri Lanka
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 10 Apr 2021 21:35 GMT ]

The appointment of an Independent International Inquiry on human rights violation in Sri Lanka is urgently needed. This should be followed by a referendum to implement the self-determination to restore of the nationhood of Tamils in North east of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka terror police arresting Jaffna mayor 'nothing but Fascism'
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 09 Apr 2021 23:57 GMT ]

Though the 13th amendment to the constitution provides devolution of police powers to the elected provincial councils, Colombo has not devolved such powers to them. [Full Story]

Prince Philip: Tributes after Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99
[ BBC ] [ 09 Apr 2021 19:19 GMT ]

From midday on Saturday, a 41-gun salute will take place for Prince Philip in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as in Gibraltar and at sea from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence said. [Full Story]

'We will continue' - British Tamil organisations speak out against Sri Lanka's ban
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 08 Apr 2021 14:10 GMT ]

British Tamil diaspora organisations have vowed to continue their struggle for justice and self-determination, despite the Sri Lankan government's proscription of hundreds of Tamils and several diaspora organisations. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2020/21
[ Amnesty International ] [ 07 Apr 2021 18:32 GMT ]

There was continued impunity for violations committed during the internal armed conflict, and the government failed to uphold commitments to the UN Human Rights Council around justice and reconciliation. [Full Report]

Tamil, Sanskrit, Hebrew: THESE are the top 5 oldest languages in the world
[ Pinkvilla ] [ 06 Apr 2021 15:35 GMT ]

According to research, approximately 8,000 languages are spoken today across the globe by various communities. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka mourns a fearless defender of Tamil rights
[ UCA News ] [ 05 Apr 2021 20:20 GMT ]

Bishop Rayappu Joseph risked his life by standing up for the rights of his oppressed people. [Full Story]

Meena Kandasamy's documentary on Sri Lanka's women Tamil warriors is now her latest book
[ Scroll.in ] [ 04 Apr 2021 09:45 GMT ]

The book is a meaningful attempt to communicate the collective experience of trauma and enrich it with posterity, significance and dignity. [Full Story]

WATCH: Hit song 'Enjoy Enjaami' with 100m views is about exploitation of Tamil labour
[ Indian Spice ] [ 03 Apr 2021 23:40 GMT ]

'Enjoy Enjaami' tells the story of exploited tea plantation labour and was an immediate hit, with cross-cultural appeal in India and the diaspora. [Full Story]

Tamil Bishop who exposed the human cost of Sri Lanka's bloody war, no more
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 02 Apr 2021 07:10 GMT ]

He was more than a Bishop. A human rights crusader to the core and a saviour of Tamil people, and above all a down to earth human being. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: 'No one cares more about human rights than us'
[ DW Conflict Zone ] [ 01 Apr 2021 22:10 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's civil war ended 12 years ago, but its sectarian tensions remain. [Full Story]

Human rights in Sri Lanka - Why no moral stance on the question of genocide?
[ Prothom Alo English ] [ 31 Mar 2021 11:58 GMT ]

As a nation that has undergone genocide to achieve independence, why cannot we adopt a moral stand on the question of genocide? [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Landmark UN Resolution Promotes Justice
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 30 Mar 2021 09:45 GMT ]

Resolution 46/1, adopted on March 23, 2021, establishes a powerful new accountability process to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence of international crimes committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions. [Full Story]

Wrong signal
[ The Statesman ] [ 29 Mar 2021 23:50 GMT ]

Crucial issues like the plight of Tamil prisoners of war and the families of Tamils subjected to enforced disappearance are ignored. [Full Story]

Letter from Human Rights Watch to Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 28 Mar 2021 00:48 GMT ]

Security forces have unnecessarily used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition against peaceful protesters, engaged in extrajudicial executions, and brutally beaten many of those they have detained. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: 'Religious Disharmony' Order Threatens Minorities
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 27 Mar 2021 00:25 GMT ]

Withdraw Expansion of Notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act. [Full Story]

Centre betrayed Tamils, says Kamal Haasan on India abstaining from voting on UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka
[ India Today ] [ 26 Mar 2021 02:27 GMT ]

'This is a complete betrayal by the Indian government of the Sri Lankan Tamils. Only because of elections in Tamil Nadu, the Indian government walked out of the voting... [Full Story]

The Geneva 2021 defeat, global polarisation and regime prospects
[ FT ] [ 25 Mar 2021 15:25 GMT ]

Over the past 10 years, all Sri Lankan leaders and administrations actively lied to, and/or hid the truth from both the Sri Lankan citizens and the UN Human Rights Council. [Full Story]

UN to collect evidence of alleged Sri Lanka war crimes
[ BBC ] [ 24 Mar 2021 08:22 GMT ]

Tamil community leaders believe that the UN resolution did not go far enough to impose tougher sanctions on Sri Lanka. For them, their wait to find answers about their relatives missing in the war continues. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Landmark UN resolution marks crucial turning point on justice and accountability
[ Amnesty International ] [ 23 Mar 2021 12:55 GMT ]

'This is a significant move by the Human Rights Council, which signals a shift in approach by the international community' [Full Story]

India should back UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka: CPI
[ The Hindu ] [ 22 Mar 2021 12:44 GMT ]

Appealing to Mr. Modi, Mr. Raja said it was a known fact that in 2009, the civil war in Sri Lanka turned into a full-fledged war by the state against Tamils.' [Full Story]

Tamil Nadu Political Parties Urge PM Modi to Take Stand Against Sri Lanka in UNHRC Session
[ The Wire ] [ 21 Mar 2021 19:25 GMT ]

DMK president M.K. Stalin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'silence' over it has caused a big 'shock' among the Tamil diaspora. [Full Story]

MIA, Elsz, Navz, Pritt and other Sri Lankan Tamil indie artists you need to listen now
[ The News Minute ] [ 20 Mar 2021 23:58 GMT ]

She's also an activist who has been drawing the world's attention to Sri Lanka, her homeland. [Full Story]

Politics of Ethnicity: Sri Lankan Case Study
[ Modern Diplomacy ] [ 19 Mar 2021 22:50 GMT ]

Tamils found themselves in a precarious position because the majority group sought to receive political and economic power. [Full Story]

'Loss of the Tamil homeland' - Conference highlights land grabs in North-East
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 18 Mar 2021 18:30 GMT ]

'There are approximately 100,000, refugees in India who are Tamils from Sri Lanka without access either to an Indian, or a UNHCR refugee determination'. [Full Story]

Eight myths about Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council
[ Amnesty International ] [ 17 Mar 2021 11:09 GMT ]

There has been a lot of anxiety and misinformation among the public around what the outcome of the UNHRC sessions would mean for Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

International Conference to discuss Land Grabbing in Tamil Homeland: Navi Pillay and many others
MARCH 20, 12:30-5:30PM(UK Time) 6:00-11:00PM(Colombo)
[ Tamil Diplomat ] [ 16 Mar 2021 16:04 GMT ]

All Tamil National Parties have been invited to participate in the conference. [Full Story]

British Tamil woman concludes hunger strike after 17 days
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 15 Mar 2021 00:34 GMT ]

Britain's parliament is to hold a debate on the 'UK's Commitment to Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka,' as a resolution on the issue is due to be voted on at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva this month. [Full Story]

Highlighting Sri Lanka's Abuses to the UN in Reviews and Strategic Litigation
[ Just Security ] [ 14 Mar 2021 12:09 GMT ]

The Human Rights Council should seize the opportunity to respond to ongoing incidents of torture and impunity with concrete proposals, consolidating the remedies and recommendations promulgated by the UNHRC. [Full Story]

Of Home, History, and Mermaids: A Conversation with Sharanya Manivannan
[ L A Review of Books ] [ 13 Mar 2021 20:10 GMT ]

This pandemic has only underscored what was already wrong in our countries, societies, corporations, and households. [Full Story]

'My writing is informed by personal, collective resistance:' Meena Kandasamy on genocidal violence against Tamils, poetry as resistance
[ Two Circles ] [ 12 Mar 2021 18:23 GMT ]

As Indians, we have to hold India accountable, make India support and protect the Tamil people on a global stage. [Full Story]

Young disadvantaged people can find a great career in Tourism and Hospitality
[ LBO ] [ 11 Mar 2021 22:45 GMT ]

From humble beginnings can come great things. [Full Story]

Enforced Disappearances - the 'White Flag Surrenders'
[ Independent Online ] [ 10 Mar 2021 23:27 GMT ]

The UN Human Rights Council, reformed to amplify the voices of victims, is now the terrain of powerful member states who oppose the cries of victims for justice and accountability, making a mockery of human rights. [Full Story]

In Sri Lanka, India Must Do More Than Pay Lip Service to Tamil Concerns
[ The Wire ] [ 09 Mar 2021 14:15 GMT ]

The Modi government must stop appeasing the Rajapaksas and demonstrate to the international community that India is an assertive regional power. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Land grab designed to break up traditional Tamil land, says new report
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 08 Mar 2021 14:55 GMT ]

'Under the guise of 'development projects,' government driven Sinhalese colonization is growing within Tamil areas with the intent to change demographics and deny Tamil communities access to their land,'. [Full Story]

Hub of ancient East-West trade
[ NewsIn.Asia ] [ 07 Mar 2021 01:50 GMT ]

Tamil king, Ellalan (Elara), ruled Sri Lanka from 145 to 101 BC. [Full Story]

Endless War - THE DESTROYED LAND, LIFE, AND IDENTITY OF THE TAMIL PEOPLE IN SRI LANKA
[ The Oakland Institute ] [ 06 Mar 2021 21:52 GMT ]

The conflict killed over 200,000 people, displaced more than a million, destroyed infrastructure, and left behind wanton destruction of lives and property of the population of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. [Full Report]

Sri Lanka's Evasion of Accountability Tests the Limits of the International Human Rights System
[ Just Security ] [ 05 Mar 2021 00:30 GMT ]

The issue of accountability and post-war reconciliation in Sri Lanka has been on the agenda of the UNHRC for the past 12 years, with 7 resolutions having been passed to date. And yet the record is one of failure. [Full Story]

Open Wounds and Mounting Dangers - Blocking Accountability for Grave Abuses in Sri Lanka
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 05 Mar 2021 00:01 GMT ]

Sri Lanka now presents an acute challenge to the United Nations' commitment to upholding international human rights and humanitarian law in the face of grave crimes. [Full Report]

Rights and freedom - Sri Lanka: For Sri Lankan reporters, the ghosts of violence and intimidation loom again
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 04 Mar 2021 18:15 GMT ]

In Sri Lanka the history of critical journalism is written in blood and bruises. [Full Story]

Heeding Victims' Voices: The Struggle of Tamil Families of the Disappeared in Sri Lanka
[ Just Security ] [ 03 Mar 2021 19:11 GMT ]

As the experiences of Tamil families of the disappeared have shown, there is no hope for truth and justice domestically in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

'The Deaths Can't Be Erased': Tamils and the Fight for Justice in Sri Lanka
[ World Politics Review ] [ 02 Mar 2021 12:41 GMT ]

'There were many memorials and cemeteries, but they have all been demolished and we have nothing now,' he said. So now where will people cry? Where will they express their pain?' [Full Story]

Rights of Sri Lankan Muslims Need International Protection
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 01 Mar 2021 21:50 GMT ]

The ratcheting-up of abuses against Sri Lanka's minorities make it vital that the UN Human Rights Council adopt a strong resolution at its current session. [Full Story]

Tens of thousands of Lankan Tamils rally demanding justice and federalism
[ Newsin.Asia ] [ 28 Feb 2021 23:02 GMT ]

We, with the clear understanding and historical knowledge that successive Sinhalese-Buddhist Governments have pursued as a State policy to destroy Tamil's identity and survival by employing actions amounting to Genocide. [Full Story]

Sri Lankans Are Still Waiting for Justice on Wartime Abuse
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 27 Feb 2021 23:48 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government's abuses during its civil war more than a decade ago may seem like a distant memory, but for the families of the victims they remain a continuing source of pain. [Full Story]

A new chapter: How self-publishing is gaining ground among Tamil authors
[ The Hindu ] [ 26 Feb 2021 23:55 GMT ]

The Tamil diaspora is the audience for authors taking this route. Oman-based Senthilbalan Manickam, who describes himself as a 'doctor by profession, a writer by heart', knows that quite well. [Full Story]

Impunity for Civil War Crimes in Sri Lanka Risks Future Offenses, UN Says
[ Voice of America ] [ 25 Feb 2021 22:01 GMT ]

A report submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council warns of future violations and instability in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Prevention Should Be at Heart of New Human Rights Council Resolution
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 24 Feb 2021 23:57 GMT ]

The Council should demand accountability for past crimes but stress that Colombo's present policies may spark further deadly conflict. [Full Report]

Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu: The nowhere people
[ India Today ] [ 23 Feb 2021 16:50 GMT ]

India, which promised to help them create their homeland, necessarily has to be a disinterested observer. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka human rights: UK seeks new UN resolution on abuses
[ BBC ] [ 22 Feb 2021 22:30 GMT ]

'The UN should not give any more time to the Sri Lankan government,' Ms Nagendran said. 'A body set up by international representatives should investigate and address our plight.' [Full Story]

British MPs urge Britain's Foreign Secretary to ensure accountability in Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 21 Feb 2021 22:15 GMT ]

A number of British MPs led by the chair of the APPGT have called on British Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, to go beyond the current resolution and consider referring Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court. [Full Story]

Tamil is 'Amma' of all languages: Rajnath Singh
[ News Today ] [ 20 Feb 2021 23:58 GMT ]

Praising the culture, tradition, poets and history of Tamilnadu, he stated that Tamil language is not only beautiful and ancient but ‘Amma' of all the Indian languages. [Full Story]

The State of Washington proclaims 9th March as Tamil Heritage Day
[ State of Washington-USA ] [ 19 Feb 2021 16:00 GMT ]

The Tamil language, as the oldest and the longest-surviving language in the world, it is worthy of recognition and support. [Full Story]

Tamils - and Justice - Can't Wait: The Need for Decisive UN Action on Sri Lanka
[ Justice Security ] [ 18 Feb 2021 23:45 GMT ]

Decisive international interventions on Sri Lanka's mass atrocities are necessary at the Human Rights Council and elsewhere, to protect and promote international human rights and humanitarian law. [Full Story]

A Growing Rights Crisis in Sri Lanka
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 17 Feb 2021 23:55 GMT ]

Indian leaders have committed to supporting the rights of minority Tamils in Sri Lanka to 'live with equity, equality, justice, peace and dignity'. The Indian government has also vowed to uphold global human rights. [Full Story]

Reversing Progress: Threats to Human Rights and Reinforced Impunity in Sri Lanka
[ Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice ] [ 16 Feb 2021 23:57 GMT ]

Far from making progress on a domestic accountability process, the government of Sri Lanka has wound back the clock on the limited progress made by the previous administration. [Full Story]

Tamil family to stay on Christmas Island after Federal Court upholds previous ruling over youngest child's immigration status
[ ABC ] [ 15 Feb 2021 22:55 GMT ]

Lawyers for the family are now calling on the Federal Government to immediately release the family from detention. [Full Story]

Film: No Fire Zone - Killing Fields of Sri Lanka - Sinhala 2015
[ NO FIRE ZONE ] [ 14 Feb 2021 00:21 GMT ]

This film depicts the true story of last few months of Sri Lanka's civil war in May 2009 - Warning: Contains some graphic images. [Full Story]

PM Modi Inaugurates Discovery Campus Of IIT-Madras To Meet Research Infrastructure Demands
[ Republic World ] [ 13 Feb 2021 23:20 GMT ]

The campus will see a steady stream of international scientists and students. [Full Story]

A Catalogue of Suffering Behind the Calls for Action on Sri Lanka's War Crimes
[ Just Security ] [ 12 Feb 2021 23:37 GMT ]

The Tides of Violence report is a starting point to demonstrate the extent, range and widespread impact of the conflict on Sri Lankan society. [Full Story]

Human Rights Council organisational meeting: UK statement on resolutions and events for the 46th session
[ Foreign & Commonwealth Office UK ] [ 11 Feb 2021 09:45 GMT ]

The Core Group on Sri Lanka comprising Canada, Germany, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom will present a further resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Analysis | A long march in Sri Lanka - to register protest, forge a new alliance
[ The Hindu ] [ 10 Feb 2021 02:33 GMT ]

'It is 12 years since the war ended and the Tamil people's problems remain unaddressed. [Full Story]

Thousands March for Justice in Sri Lanka, Despite Ban
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 09 Feb 2021 21:29 GMT ]

Protesters Call for UN Action on Accountability. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan minorities march against oppression, injustice
[ UCANews ] [ 08 Feb 2021 23:55 GMT ]

Activists demanded the release of Tamil political prisoners who have been jailed for more than 25 years under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the emergency. [Full Story]

Europe's Roma: 'Even dogs can't live like this' under Covid
[ BBC ] [ 07 Feb 2021 00:35 GMT ]

Roma communities are some of the most marginalised in Europe. [Full Story]

Canada's Leadership on Sri Lanka Urgently Needed Once Again at the UN
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 06 Feb 2021 21:04 GMT ]

Steps to advance accountability for international crimes will reduce the growing risk of further horrors. The Canadian government should ensure that that the warning signs are headed, by taking action now. [Full Story]

Srebrenica Film Tells a Mother's Story about Surviving Genocide
[ Balkan Insight ] [ 05 Feb 2021 01:09 GMT ]

This is not a typical war movie, however, but a personal drama about a mother who tries to save her children. [Full Story]

Tamils Globally boycott Sri Lanka's Independence Day on 4 February - Stage peaceful protests
[ British Tamil Forum ] [ 04 Feb 2021 19:25 GMT ]

The Tamil speaking people and the Tamil diaspora call on the 47 member UNHRC to adopt a new resolution at its 46th sessions in Feb-March 2021. [Full Story]

A New Beginning for USA - A New Hope for Tamils?
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 03 Feb 2021 00:05 GMT ]

What is needed is a major and concerted international intervention to bring about peace between the Sinhalese and Tamils, who have not enjoyed peaceful co-existence since their independence in 1948. [Full Story]

Erasing Tamil Legacy in Sri Lanka
[ Jurist ] [ 02 Feb 2021 21:45 GMT ]

The crimes committed against the Tamil community were so heinous that they have been labeled as genocide and ethnic cleansing, with former President Barack Obama recently describing it as an 'ethnic slaughter'. [Full Story]

Hold referendum in Sri Lanka under UN supervision, Vaiko says
[ The Hindu ] [ 01 Feb 2021 23:56 GMT ]

Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko has written to the EU, calling upon the members of the UNHRC and member States to accept the right to self-determination of the Eelam Tamils and organise a referendum in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka on alarming path towards recurrence of grave human rights violations – UN report
[ UN Human Rights Office ] [ 31 Jan 2021 01:15 GMT ]

The report notes that Sri Lanka's armed conflict emerged against the backdrop of progressively deepening discrimination and marginalization of the country's minorities, particularly the Tamils. [Full Report]

Sri Lanka: UN Rights Chief Decries Mounting Abuses
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 30 Jan 2021 18:15 GMT ]

The United Nations Human Rights Council, at its upcoming session, should act on the recommendations of the UN high commissioner for human rights, Human Rights Watch said today. [Full Story]

Impunity for Past Crimes in Sri Lanka Could Trigger Renewed Conflict
[ VOICE OF AMERICA ] [ 29 Jan 2021 15:49 GMT ]

She is urging governments to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of crimes in their national courts under an accepted system of international justice. [Full Story]

UN accuses Sri Lanka of reversing course on war crimes
[ The Australian ] [ 28 Jan 2021 21:22 GMT ]

The UN human rights chief has called for an International Criminal Court investigation into Sri Lanka's Tamil separatist conflict and sanctions against generals and others accused of war crimes. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Damning UN report stresses need for urgent international action on accountability
[ Amnesty International ] [ 27 Jan 2021 22:32 GMT ]

All eyes will be on Canada, Germany, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the UK, who are expected to present a resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN session starting next month. [Full Story]

UN rights chief seeks sanctions against Sri Lanka generals
[ France24 ] [ 26 Jan 2021 23:55 GMT ]

UN reports have accused Sri Lankan troops of shelling hospitals and indiscriminate aerial bombardments, executing surrendering rebels and causing the disappearance of thousands of minority Tamils. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Seeks Diversion, Not Justice, Over Wartime Abuses
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 25 Jan 2021 18:01 GMT ]

Rajapaska's government has persecuted vulnerable minorities, and this month it demolished a monument to Tamil civilian victims of the war. [Full Story]

Shyamala Gopalan: The woman who inspired Kamala Harris
[ BBC ] [ 24 Jan 2021 22:44 GMT ]

Shyamala Gopalan was a pioneering woman of colour in America, a scientist and an activist. She was also Vice-President Kamala Harris's mother and her 'greatest influence'. [Full Story]

Memorial statue of community activist Fr James Pathinanthan unveiled in Mullaitivu
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 23 Jan 2021 23:55 GMT ]

Fr Pathinanthan was a survivor of the Mullivaikal massacre in 2009 and was a source of support and comfort for the Tamils who were being subjected to genocide by the Sri Lankan government. [Full Story]

Conflict, Stability and Security Fund
[ Government of United Kingdom ] [ 22 Jan 2021 10:40 GMT ]

The CSSF works to build peace and stability in countries at risk of instability as well as in regions suffering from long running conflicts. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Collapse of Joseph Pararajasingham murder case a failure of justice
[ Amnesty International ] [ 21 Jan 2021 15:05 GMT ]

The international community must step up to end the cycle of impunity and advance accountability for human rights violations in Sri Lanka.' [Full Story]

Kamala Harris becomes first female, first black and first Asian-American VP
[ BBC ] [ 20 Jan 2021 18:00 GMT ]

Mr Biden won the race and chose Ms Harris as his running mate, describing her as 'a fearless fighter for the little guy'. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL MUST STEP UP EFFORTS TO ADVANCE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS IN SRI LANKA
[ Amnesty International ] [ 19 Jan 2021 18:10 GMT ]

AI urges the UNHRC to establish an international accountability mechanism to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, and to collect, preserve and assess evidence of gross human rights violations. [Full Report]

Sri Lanka: Covid-19 Forced Cremation of Muslims Discriminatory
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 18 Jan 2021 22:00 GMT ]

'Denying Sri Lankan Muslims the right to bury their dead is causing intense distress, stoking communal hatred, and is without any scientific basis,' Ganguly said. [Full Story]

Colombo unfazed by possible Western hostility at UNHRC session
[ NewsIn Asia ] [ 17 Jan 2021 23:50 GMT ]

The Tamil parties' have proposed that the UN Security Council refer the matter to the International Criminal Court to inquire into allegations of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Tamil parties seek international mechanism to probe 'war crimes'
[ The Hindu ] [ 16 Jan 2021 12:48 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's main Tamil political parties have sought an international probe, including at the International Criminal Court (ICC), deeming there is 'no scope' for a domestic process that can 'genuinely' deal with accountability. [Full Story]

Ties with Sri Lanka: A fine balancing act
[ India Legal ] [ 15 Jan 2021 09:55 GMT ]

India had been keenly following the issue in the UNHRC as it is intimately linked to the ethnic reconciliation process, underwritten in the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement in 1987. [Full Story]

Pongalo Pongal! Tamil harvest festival marked around the world
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Jan 2021 14:14 GMT ]

UK PM Boris Johnson paid tribute to the British Tamil community and thanked them for their contribution towards the coronavirus pandemic response in the country, in a message to mark Thai Pongal. [Full Story]

The Many Facets of Thai Pongal
[ The Citizen ] [ 14 Jan 2021 07:07 GMT ]

There is a saying that with the birth of Thai, the way forward will open (Thai pirandhaal Vazhi pirakkum). [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: A Return to Threats, Fear - World Report 2021
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 13 Jan 2021 20:15 GMT ]

The EU, like other foreign partners, has been muted in its response to Sri Lankan rights abuses. [World Report]

Razing of war monument in Jaffna an act of oppression: SL Tamils continue to condemn act
[ The News Minute ] [ 12 Jan 2021 16:41 GMT ]

'Tamils have united again, unable to forget the past incidents. [Full Story]

Its Time India Makes It's Mark in Asian Geo Politics as SuperPower
[ WND ] [ 11 Jan 2021 21:35 GMT ]

The contention between Sinhala greater part and Tamil minority in Sri Lanka produces Chennai's political tension on Delhi to intercede in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

3 youngsters & professor comes together to find collective solution for Sri Lanka refugee crisis
[ The Asian Age ] [ 10 Jan 2021 02:02 GMT ]

The book will definitely be very insightful and useful for the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu to formulate a policy based on the political context of Tamil Nadu, and the Indo-Sri Lankan foreign policy. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Students Protest After Memorial for 100K Tamil People Killed in Civil War is Destroyed
[ Yahoo News ] [ 09 Jan 2021 23:47 GMT ]

A war memorial dedicated to the Tamil people was destroyed over the weekend. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka warned 'not to play with the lives of Tamil political prisoners'
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 08 Jan 2021 02:02 GMT ]

Some Tamil Political prisoners are in various jails for the past 10-25 years. Many of these prisoners are yet to be charged and are incarcerated without a trial. [Full Story]

India Seeks to Counter China in Sri Lanka
[ The Citizen ] [ 07 Jan 2021 23:10 GMT ]

Anxious to be relevant for Sri Lanka's security, Jaishankar said: 'As maritime countries in the Indian Ocean, India and Sri Lanka have a shared interest in ensuring maritime security and safety. [Full Story]

S Jaishankar bats for dignity, equality to Sri Lankan Tamils
[ New Indian Express ] [ 06 Jan 2021 02:20 GMT ]

New Delhi had urged Colombo for the full implementation of the 13th amendment, an outcome of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka peace accord aimed at devolving more powers to the Tamils. [Full Story]

Tamil priest and rights activist Reverend Father Mary Bastian commemorated in Mannar
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 05 Jan 2021 23:55 GMT ]

The 36th anniversary of the assassination of Tamil human rights activist and local Catholic parish priest Reverend Father Mary Bastian was commemorated. [Full Story]

What is the 13th Amendment? Why is Sri Lanka dragging its feet on the issue?
[ Times Now News ] [ 04 Jan 2021 12:08 GMT ]

Alleging discrimination and persecution at the hands of the nation's majority Buddhists, Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans in the northern region of Sri Lanka launched a struggle for self-determination and pressed for a separate state. [Full Story]

Pradeepan Raveendran's Soundless Dance dives into the war-torn mind of a Sri Lankan Tamil in Paris
[ First Post ] [ 03 Jan 2021 23:49 GMT ]

The director asks: Isn't the pain of a torn country, the pain of separation from family enough? Does one need to manufacture more 'drama'? [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Conflict-Affected Women: Dealing with the Legacy of War
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 02 Jan 2021 18:30 GMT ]

The government and international actors must include their voices and address their injustices and difficult economic situation to ensure lasting peace. [Full Story]

Suffering, Protest, and Belonging in Sri Lanka's Tamil Diaspora
[ Sangam ] [ 01 Jan 2021 16:00 GMT ]

My dissertation project explores how Sri Lankan Tamils, displaced and dispersed by over thirty years of political violence and war, form moral and political communities as they remake their lives across the globe. [Full Story]

A bad year for human rights in Sri Lanka
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 31 Dec 2020 09:05 GMT ]

As 2020 comes to an end, we take a look at some of the key developments in human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka over the last 12 months. [Full Story]

Murder in the Cathedral: Christmas killing of Joseph Pararajasingham
[ FT.lk ] [ 30 Dec 2020 14:33 GMT ]

An elected Member of Parliament bearing the name of Jesus's father Joseph was brutally gunned down in full sight of the congregation after receiving Communion from the Catholic Bishop. [Full Story]

Rohingya refugees' perilous journey in search of safety
[ BBC ] [ 29 Dec 2020 20:01 GMT ]

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, says more than a third of those who made the perilous journeys from refugee camps in Bangladesh to Malaysia and Indonesia were children. [Full Story]

The Tamil Proscriptions: Identities, Legitimacies, and Situated Practices
[ Taylor & Francis Online ] [ 28 Dec 2020 01:18 GMT ]

Western pressure led in 2015 to a new Sri Lankan government de-proscribing eight Tamil diaspora organisations. [Full Story]

What the Diaspora can do for Sri Lanka: Chris Ponnadurai, Jetwing Jaffna's founding General Manager
[ LBO ] [ 27 Dec 2020 20:04 GMT ]

A man who fled Sri Lanka's communal riots in 1984 to settle in Australia, and returned three decades later in 2015 to setup Jaffna's first luxury hotel. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka stokes Muslim and Christian ire with COVID burial rules
[ Nikkei Asia ] [ 26 Dec 2020 22:45 GMT ]

The international scrutiny Sri Lanka is now under adds to the diplomatic pressure it is expected to face in early 2021, when its postwar record will be in the spotlight at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. [Full Story]

Pope urges coronavirus vaccine access for all
[ BBC ] [ 25 Dec 2020 15:00 GMT ]

'May the Son of God renew in political and government leaders a spirit of international cooperation, starting with health care, so that all will be ensured access to vaccines and treatment,' he said. [Full Story]

Karima Baloch: Activist's family mourns a 'mountain of courage'
[ BBC ] [ 24 Dec 2020 09:50 GMT ]

'She turned the movement into something not only for Balochistan, but she wanted equality for the women,' Sameer said. [Full Story]

The pioneering lawyer who fought for women's suffrage in India
[ BBC ] [ 23 Dec 2020 09:41 GMT ]

Tata and Lam's evidence highlighted the impossibility of meaningful political reform if half of India was excluded on the grounds of sex. [Full Story]

What Makes Tamil Nadu a Top Foreign Investment Destination in India?
[ India Briefing ] [ 22 Dec 2020 22:43 GMT ]

Tamil Nadu is a top investment destination in India for foreign investors due to the state's advanced infrastructure and network capacity. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka remains a human rights priority for the UK
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 21 Dec 2020 23:50 GMT ]

This statement comes in advance of the 46th UN Human Rights Council session set for March. Tamil parliamentarians are calling not just for a renewal of the UN human rights resolution, which Sri Lanka has abandoned. [Full Story]

Covid: Vaccine should stop new variant, says WHO
[ BBC ] [ 20 Dec 2020 20:25 GMT ]

The World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, says it is 'very unlikely' the latest mutation of the coronavirus will cause the current vaccines not to work. [Full Story]

Mannar Island is a bird paradise that survived Sri Lanka's civil war. Now an Australian mining company wants its sand
[ ABC News ] [ 19 Dec 2020 21:36 GMT ]

Up to a million birds stop at Mannar Island, off the north-west coast of Sri Lanka, to feed during the winter. [Full Story]

Native Tamil game Pallankuzhi may be losing to the modernities of life
[ New Indian Express ] [ 18 Dec 2020 21:55 GMT ]

The game broadly comes under 'mancala', a generic name for a family of two-player, turn-based, strategy board games. [Full Story]

Do Tamils want to fight, and for what?
[ Colombo Gazette ] [ 17 Dec 2020 22:59 GMT ]

After three decades and more, the community is where it began, minus a decent and dignified living, minus the political strength and mental stamina to fight the Sri Lankan State. [Full Story]

South Asia: Justice, Services Can Curb Sexual Violence
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 16 Dec 2020 23:44 GMT ]

“Women and girls across South Asia are fed up with their governments' failure to tackle sexual violence,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director. [Full Story]

Forced cremations in Sri Lanka
[ Amnesty International ] [ 15 Dec 2020 01:09 GMT ]

In a country where minorities are marginalized and discriminated against, Muslims who fall victim to COVID-19 are unjustly prevented from being laid to rest in accordance with their religious beliefs. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: FORMER POLICE INVESTIGATOR JAILED WITH COVID-19: SHANI ABEYSEKARA
[ Amnesty International ] [ 14 Dec 2020 00:30 GMT ]

His family believes that he is being targeted for exposing human rights abuses implicating top politicians. [Full Story]

Human Shields and Proportionality: How Legal Experts Defended War Crimes in Sri Lanka
[ Just Security ] [ 13 Dec 2020 01:15 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan civil war was subjected to international legal scrutiny. [Full Story]

Waldemar Haffkine: The vaccine pioneer the world forgot
[ BBC ] [ 12 Dec 2020 02:00 GMT ]

Working in Paris and India at the turn of the last century, Waldemar Mordecai Haffkine created the world's first vaccines for cholera and plague. [Full Story]

Tyranny of the majority in Sri Lanka
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 11 Dec 2020 15:00 GMT ]

The international community will definitely wake up and start exerting pressure on Sri Lanka to change its course. [Full Story]

Tamil Resistance Lives on Despite Sri Lanka's Ban on Maaveerar Naal
[ International Policy Digest ] [ 10 Dec 2020 17:44 GMT ]

In today's context, Maaveerar Naal symbolises resistance to a sham reconciliation process proffered by the Sri Lankan state instead of power-sharing and accountability. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka asked to support families of disappeared people
[ UCA News ] [ 09 Dec 2020 09:45 GMT ]

Some 20,000 people were reportedly disappeared in the aftermath of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil Tiger rebels. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Speaking for the Dead
[ MenaFn ] [ 08 Dec 2020 11:20 GMT ]

Cut short to Shanakiyan, the Batticaloa TNA parliamentarian's name seems to be in the mouth of every Sinhala politician and possibly media-watchers, too, after his powerful speech in the House, the other day. [Full Story]

Righting wrongs
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 07 Dec 2020 02:31 GMT ]

Indeed, it is the Tamil mothers on the roadsides of the North-East who have been most unrelenting in their calls for justice. [Full Story]

The dangers facing Tamils in Sri Lanka can be overcome!
[ Lanka eNews ] [ 06 Dec 2020 21:02 GMT ]

We must plan and take our work forward with maturity and diplomacy. [Full Story]

UN failed to prevent 'ethnic slaughter in Sri Lanka' - Barack Obama
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 05 Dec 2020 01:25 GMT ]

The United Nations failed to 'prevent ethnic slaughter in places like Sri Lanka' said former US president Barack Obama in his memoir, 'A Promised Land', reflecting on his time at the White House. [Full Story]

November 26: Forbidden grief and a story of resistance
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 04 Dec 2020 01:04 GMT ]

He hoisted four flags displaying the red and yellow colours of the Tamil nation on the dull parapet wall in front of his modest house. [Full Story]

With the Rajapaksas at the Helm, Press Freedom in Sri Lanka Takes a Hit
[ The Diplomat ] [ 03 Dec 2020 00:10 GMT ]

As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues amassing power, the future for the country's media looks bleak. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Need to keep fishing out of shared 'securitisation'
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 02 Dec 2020 17:18 GMT ]

There are concerns that India's unfriendly neighbours in China and Pakistan may seek to exploit the ground situation. [Full Story]

'Our youth took up arms for self defence' - Tamil parliamentarian
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 01 Dec 2020 01:25 GMT ]

Responding to a question on Maaveerar Naal, Jaffna MP C V Wigneswaran accused Sri Lanka of committing 'state terrorism' and maintained that 'our youth were compelled to take up arms for the self-defense of our people'. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan priest arrested over civil war event
[ UCAN ] [ 30 Nov 2020 17:25 GMT ]

Father Bhaskaran released on bail after organizing event to commemorate Tamil fighters killed during civil war. [Full Story]

British mercenaries investigated over Sri Lanka war crimes
[ BBC ] [ 29 Nov 2020 14:22 GMT ]

British mercenaries who were involved in the Sri Lankan civil war are being investigated for war crimes by the Metropolitan Police. [Full Story]

NSA Ajit Doval meets Sri Lankan Tamil leader Sampanthan
[ The Hindu ] [ 28 Nov 2020 23:57 GMT ]

It remains unclear if a political solution to Sri Lanka's long-pending Tamil question or the prospect of a constitutional settlement was discussed. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka bans Tamil remembrance of war dead
[ Deccan Herald ] [ 27 Nov 2020 20:02 GMT ]

"Even in the remembrance of the dead there is discrimination against the Tamils in Sri Lanka," TNA legislator Abraham Sumanthiran said on Twitter. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Deliver justice, truth and reparation to families of the disappeared
[ Amnesty International ] [ 26 Nov 2020 23:58 GMT ]

'Where justice is denied and impunity is guaranteed, recurrence is almost inevitable. It is only through justice, truth, and reparation that the wounds suffered by these families can begin to heal.' said David Griffiths. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka digs trench to keep elephants away from rubbish dump
[ BBC ] [ 25 Nov 2020 22:12 GMT ]

Along with food scraps, they consume plastic, which slowly kills them, officials say. [Full Story]

The war within - Sri Lanka's Tamil minority has become more politically fractured
[ The Economist ] [ 24 Nov 2020 20:02 GMT ]

Anxieties about majority rule have swelled since the election last year as president of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. [Full Story]

BW Foreign Affairs - Indo-Sri Lanka Relations, Mission SAGAR and Tamil Reconciliation
[ Business World ] [ 23 Nov 2020 23:59 GMT ]

He speaks on 'India First' Policy; Indo Pacific & QUAD in the Indian Ocean Region; Indian Ocean maritime strategy and Tamil reconciliation. [Full Story]

US resolution calls for an end to enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka
[ United States Government ] [ 22 Nov 2020 01:41 GMT ]

Whereas according to Amnesty International, Sri Lanka is home to one of the world's highest number of enforced disappearances, with somewhere between 60,000 to 100,000 people allegedly disappeared since the late 1980s. [Full Story]

Human rights priority countries: ministerial statement, January to June 2020
[ Foreign and Commonwealth Office UK ] [ 21 Nov 2020 20:44 GMT ]

There was a deterioration in the overall human rights situation in Sri Lanka in 2019, with increased intercommunal tensions, violence against minority groups, and intimidation of human rights defenders. [Full Report PDF]

Rediscovering Sri Lanka through a travel memoir
[ Nikkei Asia ] [ 20 Nov 2020 00:06 GMT ]

Island paradise mixes beguiling charm with an astonishing record of violence. [Full Story]

Mounting harassment of journalists poses threat to media freedom in eastern Sri Lanka
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 19 Nov 2020 22:51 GMT ]

Batticaloa Press Club (BPC) was interrogated by police about coverage of the rising concerns of Tamil dairy farmers following the recent handing over of traditional grazing lands to Sinhala cultivators. [Full Story]

Joint Statement - The Delegation of the European Union (EU)
[ Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka ] [ 18 Nov 2020 23:57 GMT ]

The Government has stated its continuing commitment, including to the EU, to fostering reconciliation, justice and peaceful coexistence among Sri Lanka's diverse communities. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Gotabaya says has reassembled nation's intelligence network
[ Reuters India ] [ 17 Nov 2020 23:54 GMT ]

'We have already appointed a committee to seek public opinion to draft a new constitution,' he said. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Commit funds to support transitional justice process for victims of conflict
[ Amnesty International ] [ 16 Nov 2020 19:02 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government must remain committed to delivering truth, justice and reparations to thousands of victims of the country's civil war, said Amnesty International. [Full Story]

Scotland Yard investigates mercenaries over war crimes in Sri Lanka
[ The Times UK ] [ 15 Nov 2020 12:21 GMT ]

British mercenaries who helped the Sri Lankan military in the 1980s during the country's civil war are being investigated for war crimes by the Metropolitan police. [Full Story]

Hindu workers discriminated against: no Deepavali for them
[ Asia News ] [ 14 Nov 2020 14:23 GMT ]

Tamil workers in the Northern Province are victims of discrimination. Unlike Buddhist and Muslim workers who can celebrate their holy days, Hindu Tamils have not been given a single day off for Deepavali (Diwali). [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's former minister eats raw fish
[ One Newspage ] [ 13 Nov 2020 22:15 GMT ]

Former Sri Lankan fisheries minister bit into a raw fish at a news conference to boost fish sales following a slump during the coronavirus pandemic. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Under Rajapaksas' Watch, Rule of Law Suffers the Onslaught of Politics
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 12 Nov 2020 23:54 GMT ]

The politically-motivated Presidential Commission of Enquiry has been distorting politically-connected criminal suspects into victims, and investigators and legal reformers into criminals. [Full Story]

From empathy to regret: M Karunanidhi's uneasy involvement with Sri Lanka's Tamil Eelam problem
[ Scroll.in ] [ 11 Nov 2020 01:21 GMT ]

Excerpts from a new biography of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. [Full Story]

Where are the young Northern entrepreneurs? If you know how to look, right in front of you!
[ LBO ] [ 10 Nov 2020 02:14 GMT ]

No shortage of mentors, angels and coffee shops in Colombo. But what about the neglected North? In this province, still lagging a decade after the end of the war, there are stars to be found. [Full Story]

What does a Biden-Harris victory mean for Sri Lanka?
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 09 Nov 2020 22:04 GMT ]

Tamils are counting on Biden and Harris for leadership. They must now deliver. [Full Story]

US Election 2020: Time for US to unite, President-elect Biden says
[ BBC ] [ 08 Nov 2020 02:10 GMT ]

'With the campaign over, it's time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation,' he said. [Full Story]

The unstoppable rise of Kamala Harris
[ BBC ] [ 07 Nov 2020 21:40 GMT ]

The California senator will make history as the first female, black and Asian American vice-president. [Full Story]

How stolen Hindu idols were discovered in UK
[ BBC ] [ 06 Nov 2020 22:08 GMT ]

They belong to a 15th Century temple built during the Vijayanagara empire, located in Anandamangalam village in Tamil Nadu state. Vijayanagara was once one of the most important trading centres in the world. [Full Story]

'Rajapaksas must honour their past commitments to India and the world'
[ The Hindu ] [ 05 Nov 2020 10:05 GMT ]

India's continuing good offices will be necessary and will be appreciated by all parties in finally resolving this conflict. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka assured of China's help in burying post-war obligations
[ Nikkei Asia ] [ 04 Nov 2020 02:32 GMT ]

With UNHRC seat, Beijing expected to shield Rajapaksa from human rights scrutiny. [Full Story]

Indians crack coconuts and pray for Kamala Harris in US election
[ The Financial Times UK ] [ 03 Nov 2020 19:15 GMT ]

Ms Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother with roots in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, locals are taking no chances when it comes to the gods. [Full Story]

WHAT IS THE RISE PURPOSE? Empowering Tamil Entrepreneurship
[ Tamil Rise USA ] [ 03 Nov 2020 07:00 GMT ]

Empower Tamils from job seeking community to a job generating community through a culture of collaboration, and by providing critical enablers like, knowledge, competencies, and funding. [Full Story]

Editorial - Missed opportunities
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 02 Nov 2020 23:55 GMT ]

For the Tamil people, from the families of the disappeared to those still struggling for their land and those still under military occupation, Pompeo could have, and should have, shed light on their suffering. [Full Story]

The Absent Moral Dimension in Sri Lanka's Constitution
[ The Wire ] [ 01 Nov 2020 23:49 GMT ]

By the civil war's end in 2009, the UN estimated that 40,000 minority Tamils had disappeared. [Full Story]

India's Prime Minister Urges Constitutional Amendment in Sri Lanka to Safeguard Tamils
[ The Florida Star ] [ 31 Oct 2020 10:00 GMT ]

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is backing the full implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution that would allow power-sharing for the Tamil minorities of the island state. [Full Story]

Suspected Architect of Sri Lanka War Crimes is UN's 'Chief Guest'
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 30 Oct 2020 21:45 GMT ]

UN Shouldn't Help Repressive Government Launder Image. [Full Story]

Sinhalization of the North-East
[ Pearl Action ] [ 29 Oct 2020 11:41 GMT ]

A crucial element to the Sinhalization of the North-East is the increase of Sinhala Buddhist religious symbols in predominately Muslim & Tamil areas. [Full Story]

Muttiah Muralitharan on the 'challenge' of his disputed biopic
[ BBC ] [ 28 Oct 2020 17:33 GMT ]

'Muralitharan's words - when he said 2009 was the happiest time of his life - have affected Tamil people all over the world. [Full Story]

Pompeo's Sri Lanka visit underscores brewing US-China battle in Indo-Pacific
[ South China Morning Post ] [ 27 Oct 2020 20:01 GMT ]

'Sri Lanka is a neutral, non-aligned country committed to peace,' he said. 'We hope to continue in our relations with the United States and with other parties.' [Full Story]

After Harvard, the University of Toronto to institute a Tamil Chair
[ The News Minute ] [ 26 Oct 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Now a group of Tamils living in Canada are working to institute a similar Tamil chair at University of Toronto, Canada. [Full Story]

Causes and dynamics of violence in Sri Lanka's civil war
[ The Academia ] [ 25 Oct 2020 12:15 GMT ]

The continued commitment of the UN, the Human Rights Council, and the USG to investigate and account for the war's large-scale violence may help create a political and social environment in which recurrence is unthinkable. [Full Report PDF]

UK tribunal removes LTTE from terror list, Sri Lanka protests
[ WION ] [ 24 Oct 2020 14:00 GMT ]

The LTTE ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Urgent Issues for its Post Parliamentary Election Agenda
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 23 Oct 2020 15:25 GMT ]

Sri Lanka unilaterally became a Republic, without the consent of all its citizens i.e. no referendum. The Sri Lankan Sinhala majority cannot ride roughshod forever over Tamils and other minorities. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka president tightens grip with constitutional changes
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 23 Oct 2020 15:25 GMT ]

'The Sri Lankan government needs to hear that other countries are watching and will respond to renewed abuses.' [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Parliament passes 20A: Here's why Tamils are worried
[ The News Minute ] [ 22 Oct 2020 23:55 GMT ]

20A, by giving unprecedented powers to the President, takes away redressal forums from those who are fighting for justice. [Full Story]

Muthtamil Sangam promises a bright evening at Kodai Vizha
[ Indian News Link ] [ 21 Oct 2020 23:58 GMT ]

Written by Thiruvalluvar more than 1700 years ago, the 1330 couplets cover every aspect of every living being, nature, and the ways and means of maintaining a healthy environment. [Full Story]

'Why Can't We Go Home?' Military Occupation of Land in Sri Lanka
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 20 Oct 2020 11:33 GMT ]

Military occupation of public and private property is a cruel legacy of the nearly three-decade civil war in Sri Lanka that ended in May 2009. [Full Story]

Tamil-Swiss Artist Priya Ragu Signs to Warner Music U.K., Drops 'Good Love 2.0' Video
[ Rolling Stone India ] [ 19 Oct 2020 14:20 GMT ]

When the civil wars in Sri Lanka meant that Priya Ragu and her family could no longer visit their country of origin. [Full Story]

Efforts on to bring back Chola royal charter
[ The Hindu ] [ 18 Oct 2020 22:41 GMT ]

A royal charter or a sasana of the Chola kings, lost 300 years ago from Tamil Nadu, is now being preserved in the Leiden University in the Netherlands. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Prominent human rights lawyer arbitrarily detained for six months must be released
[ Amnesty International ] [ 17 Oct 2020 16:49 GMT ]

'The Sri Lankan authorities must repeal the PTA and provide people who have suffered because of it the justice they are owed, in the form of remedies and reparations.' [Full Story]

North and East of Sri Lanka paralysed by mass anti-government protest
[ World Socialist Web Site ] [ 16 Oct 2020 00:15 GMT ]

Mass participation in the protest, however, reflected broader opposition to police-state measures and determination to defend the democratic right to conduct commemorations and legitimate struggles. [Full Story]

Stan Swamy: The oldest person to be accused of terrorism in India
[ BBC ] [ 15 Oct 2020 21:09 GMT ]

'This is absolutely appalling. The repression on human rights defenders has never been more extreme in India,' said Sangeeta Kamat. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: 45th session of the Human Rights Council - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
[ Amnesty International ] [ 14 Oct 2020 18:14 GMT ]

We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting the much-awaited report on Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Dalit women are among the most oppressed in the world
[ BBC ] [ 13 Oct 2020 00:05 GMT ]

Dalit women are fighting back. [Full Story]

Row over 'insult' to Indian dish Kamala Harris likes
[ BBC ] [ 12 Oct 2020 16:00 GMT ]

It is regarded as a gut friendly staple breakfast and comfort food, popular with south Indians, living in India and abroad. [Full Story]

British Tamils Forum (BTF) and Hindu Council United Kingdom (HC UK) met with High Commission of India
[ British Tamils Forum ] [ 11 Oct 2020 09:45 GMT ]

The BTF has long recognised the emergence of India as a global power and the role it plays in fulfilling the aspirations of the Tamil people in the island of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and respect. [Full Story]

Toronto councillors back deal for Tamil centre in northeast Scarborough
[ Toronto.com ] [ 10 Oct 2020 07:30 GMT ]

A City of Toronto committee approved a lease this week for a $30-million Tamil Community Centre in northeastern Scarborough. [Full Story]

To be or not to be on 13-A, India's Sri Lanka moment again?
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 09 Oct 2020 22:02 GMT ]

'Prime Minister Modi called on the new Government in Sri Lanka to work towards realising the expectations of Tamils for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka by achieving reconciliation.' [Full Story]

A firebrand Hindi speaker who touched Tamils: Ram Vilas Paswan's lesser-known TN bond
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 08 Oct 2020 20:15 GMT ]

In their condolence messages, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and DMK president M K Stalin spoke about his ardent support for social justice. [Full Story]

Proposed Sri Lankan charter change raises rights concerns
[ Yahoo Eurosport UK ] [ 07 Oct 2020 19:44 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's Tamil community, concentrated mostly in the north and east, consider themselves a distinct nation, entitled to rule a traditional homeland. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Ceylon tea workers live under a legacy of exploitation
[ Deutsche Welle ] [ 06 Oct 2020 22:25 GMT ]

The descendants of Indian Tamil tea plantation workers remain stuck at the bottom of Sri Lankan society. Many of them continue to work under harsh conditions for a meager daily wage. [Full Story]

Police obstruct Tamil journalists carrying out their duty in northern Sri Lanka
[ JDS Lanka ] [ 05 Oct 2020 11:20 GMT ]

Police spies in the war affected Northern Sri Lanka have obstructed journalists carrying out their duty and intimidated Tamils remembering the dead. [Full Story]

No Accountability for War Crimes in Sri Lanka
[ Foreign Affairs ] [ 04 Oct 2020 00:03 GMT ]

According to credible allegations, the Sri Lankan military intentionally shelled hospitals as well as areas it had designated safe 'No Fire Zones.' [Full Story]

'A day of mourning without our children' - Tamil families of the disappeared on Sri Lanka's Children's Day
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 03 Oct 2020 20:21 GMT ]

Families of the disappeared in Mannar conveyed their disappointment in both the Sri Lankan government and the international community's response to their struggle to find their missing loved ones. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Rajapaksa clan presses for imperial presidency
[ Nikkei Asian Review ] [ 02 Oct 2020 14:30 GMT ]

Rajapaksa allies argue that an all-powerful executive echoes the political mood in the country, where the brothers have tapped into an ultranationalist, majoritarian sentiment to win two decisive electoral victories. [Full Story]

Coronavirus: The disabled Indians fighting for their livelihoods
[ BBC ] [ 01 Oct 2020 20:15 GMT ]

Many disabled people continue to struggle to buy food and obtain basic medical care and many are losing their livelihoods. [Full Story]

Only lip service
[ Indian Express ] [ 30 Sep 2020 09:00 GMT ]

Colombo knows its proximity to Beijing rattles Delhi. The Modi government has not been able to get any of the infrastructure projects agreed upon in July 2017 moving. [Full Story]

Geopolitics of Sri Lankan Tamil Problem
[ News Click ] [ 29 Sep 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Colombo exhibited exemplary diplomatic skill to ward off India's intrusive policies. [Full Story]

Editorial - Rajapaksa shifts up a gear
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 28 Sep 2020 18:16 GMT ]

Hold them accountable. Or else they will roam free, perpetuate more cycles of violence and may rule the island with more power than ever before. [Full Story]

Realise ambitions of Tamils, implement 13th amendment fully: PM Modi tells Sri Lankan counterpart
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 27 Sep 2020 19:31 GMT ]

'Modi called on Rajapaksa's new government to work towards realising the expectations of Tamils for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka by achieving reconciliation nurtured by implementation of the constitutional provisions,' [Full Story]

The Real Marigold Hotel - Chithirai festival
[ BBC ] [ 26 Sep 2020 01:25 GMT ]

The group travel to India's largest golden temple to explore Hinduism before taking a night train to Madurai to experience the sights and sounds of the Chithirai festival. [Full Story]

SP Balasubrahmanyam: Legendary Indian singer dies
[ BBC ] [ 25 Sep 2020 14:35 GMT ]

Renowned Indian singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Guinness world record holder for his more than 40,000 songs over 50 years, has died aged 74. [Full Story]

India-Sri Lanka: Repairing Frayed Ties That Bind
[ Outlook India ] [ 24 Sep 2020 23:58 GMT ]

The Rajapaksas are hard-line Sinhala Buddhists, and any future persecution of the Tamils there would have repercussions in Tamil Nadu. It had happened in the past and could happen again. [Full Story]

Rajapaksas' rule has diminished hope for justice for Lankan Tamils
[ The News Minute ] [ 23 Sep 2020 23:00 GMT ]

The NDA government feels they have no pressure to appease the Tamil sentiments of brotherhood, prioritising the India-Sri Lanka-China equation over justice for the Tamils from the island. [Full Story]

Plight of Ceylon Tea Workers
[ SL Guardian ] [ 22 Sep 2020 22:42 GMT ]

Workers lived in crowded shacks, without sanitation, running water, medical facilities or schools for their children. [Full Story]

The Real Marigold Hotel
[ BBC ] [ 21 Sep 2020 21:00 GMT ]

Susie celebrates her birthday with the group, while Henry gets a chance to revisit the cricket ground where he made his last overseas broadcast. [Full Story]

Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve
[ BBC ] [ 20 Sep 2020 11:22 GMT ]

He starts in Sri Lanka, where Chinese money has helped end a 30-year war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka has missed a 'historic opportunity' for transitional justice and holds a 'dismal record' on accountability - UN Special Rapporteur
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 19 Sep 2020 21:38 GMT ]

'Nothing has hindered the transitional justice programme in Sri Lanka more than lack of commitment on the part of the Government. [Full Story]

Political Violence in South Asia: The Triumph of the State?
[ Carnegie Endowment for Intl Peace ] [ 18 Sep 2020 14:10 GMT ]

Nepal's peace process is a model of civil war termination through a political settlement, while the Sri Lanka government's destruction of the LTTE left a trail of dead and displaced civilians. [Full Story]

Touring the killing fields - Sri Lankan army takes cadets and foreign troops on tour
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 17 Sep 2020 23:32 GMT ]

The tours come as the Sri Lankan state continues to expand the role of the military, with many senior officers who oversaw atrocities being promoted to senior government roles. [Full Story]

On this day, when Tamil was declared as the first classical language of India: Interesting facts you must know
[ Newsd.in ] [ 16 Sep 2020 20:00 GMT ]

Tamil language is a member of the Dravidian language family that is spoken primarily in India. [Full Story]

Why home's a distant dream for Lankan Tamils in India
[ Times of India ] [ 15 Sep 2020 17:45 GMT ]

The Tamils have lost a lot in the past, now they feel they have lost their future too. [Full Story]

Return of executive presidency threatens to undermine Sri Lanka's pact with minorities
[ Indian Express ] [ 14 Sep 2020 02:11 GMT ]

The Tamil people opposed the Executive Presidency both for its centralisation of power and also for its corrupting influence on democracy. [Full Story]

The trailblazing first woman lawmaker of India
[ BBC ] [ 13 Sep 2020 01:22 GMT ]

Muthulakshmi Reddy fought patriarchy and discrimination to become India's first woman lawmaker. [Full Story]

Perils of power in wounded old civilizations
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 12 Sep 2020 23:50 GMT ]

While nations are busy readjusting their domestic power balance and glorifying inward looking values, they could miss opportunity to grow, modernize, reform and embracing the liberal democratic values. [Full Story]

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
[ UN Human Rights Council ] [ 11 Sep 2020 22:40 GMT ]

Focus the discussions about accountability on the means and preconditions for the establishment of credible procedures that guarantee the rights of victims and the accused. [Full Story]

Institutionalizing the Dreadful Victory in Post-War Sri Lanka
[ Peace Research Institute Oslo ] [ 10 Sep 2020 17:45 GMT ]

Their new hold on power should be a wake-up call for all Sri Lankans and the international community looking at working towards quality peace. [Full Story]

'If the Tamils of Sri Lanka do not the right to self-determination they will become Sinhalese within 15 to 20 years,'
[ Newsin.Asia ] [ 09 Sep 2020 01:25 GMT ]

'The genuine grievance of our people is the non--ettlement of their political issues. [Full Story]

He Faces Death for Murder Conviction. Parliament Swore Him In Anyway
[ The New York Times ] [ 08 Sep 2020 19:30 GMT ]

The president is part of the Rajapaksa political dynasty, which is mired in scandal, accused of numerous human rights abuses and corruption charges. [Full Story]

Haksar on India's Sri Lanka Policy
[ SL Guardian ] [ 07 Sep 2020 10:22 GMT ]

This book is a clear and cogent delineation of India's Sri Lanka policy and the evolution of polity and politics. [Full Story]

Response to Dayan Jayatillake - Sri Lanka Guardian Article - Tamil Nationalism is Dead
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 06 Sep 2020 23:44 GMT ]

It's better for D Jayatillake, the Buddhist clergy and the Rajapaksas to restore the nationhood of Tamils in the North East of Sri Lanka sooner rather than later if they were to realise their dream of keeping Sri Lanka united and intact forever. [Full Story]

Pandara Vanniyan - 'Last King of Vanni' - remembered in the Tamil homeland
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 05 Sep 2020 10:35 GMT ]

August 25 has been marked as the victory day after his success against the British in seizing the Mullaitivu fort in 1803. [Full Story]

What Gotabaya's Presidency Will Mean for Tamil Politics and Development in Sri Lanka
[ The Wire ] [ 04 Sep 2020 20:00 GMT ]

If international constellations adjust again, there is every possibility that the Tamil question can become an international issue once more. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's 13th Amendment: Doomed With The New Constitution?
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 03 Sep 2020 23:05 GMT ]

The government may develop an alternative system for devolution of power, most likely a system that operates at the grassroots level and is not defined by ethnic factors. [Full Story]

Newly Elected Tamil Leaders Should Start to Consider Bargaining for a Tamil Nation vs. War Crime Prosecution
[ EIN News ] [ 02 Sep 2020 21:04 GMT ]

If Sri Lanka allows the Tamils to form a free and secure and protected Tamil homeland-Tamil Nation in the northeast of Sri Lanka, the Tamil can consider pausing war crime prosecution at the ICC. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's ethnic and language issues as seen by historians
[ NewsIn.Asia ] [ 01 Sep 2020 10:57 GMT ]

He gave a grim warning about the consequences of following Sinhala majoritarian policies, and to top it all, asserted that Tamil is the original language of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Worldwide Tamil organisations express solidarity with families of the disappeared in Sri Lanka
[ BTF ] [ 31 Aug 2020 10:12 GMT ]

Eleven years have passed since the end of the armed conflict yet approximately 40-80,000 disappeared Tamils are still unaccounted for, including over 18,000 who surrendered at the end of the war. [Full Story]

PEARL Stands with Victims' Families on International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka
[ PEARL ] [ 30 Aug 2020 22:19 GMT ]

The international community contributed to the destruction of Tamil lives and Tamil political aspirations in 2009 - it is now time for the same IC to meet the demands of the families of the disappeared. [Full Story]

Ed Davey, a long-time supporter of Tamils, elected leader of UK Liberal Democratic Party
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 29 Aug 2020 19:40 GMT ]

Sir Ed Davey, a long-time of the British Tamil community, has been elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, after having secured 63.5% of the vote. [Full Story]

Neocolonialism vs sovereignty in Sri Lanka
[ Asia Times ] [ 28 Aug 2020 15:14 GMT ]

Strategically located in the ancient Indian Ocean trade route, Sri Lanka faces competition for control by external powers. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Ponnambalam tells Parliament Tamil Nation must be recognised
[ Menafn ] [ 27 Aug 2020 15:35 GMT ]

Ponnambalam said that the mandate given by the Tamils in the North and East at the last Parliamentary election was for Tamil rights to be recognised. [Full Story]

Peter Dutton: the logic behind the evil
[ Green Left ] [ 26 Aug 2020 09:27 GMT ]

But there is a cruel and twisted logic. Escalating anti-refugee policies and rhetoric have been a staple of Australian politics for two decades. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Elections: Tamils Have Not Abandoned Human Rights for Economic Development
[ The Diplomat ] [ 25 Aug 2020 02:25 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's ethnic minority remains committed to both, but not one at the expense of the other. [Full Story]

Hope that the country will go towards an inclusive nationalism
[ EconomyNext ] [ 24 Aug 2020 23:55 GMT ]

The government is now beginning to provide more information about its plans for a new constitution that would permanently alter the country's political landscape. [Full Story]

Sri Lankans have high hopes for new Tamil bishop
[ UCAN ] [ 23 Aug 2020 23:58 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war had a significant impact on the relationship between people in the north and south. [Full Story]

Indian envoy tells Tamil National Alliance New Delhi is committed to full implementation of 13th Amendment
[ NewsInAsia ] [ 22 Aug 2020 20:28 GMT ]

This is significant in the context of Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's statement that a new Sri Lankan constitution will be drafted. [Full Story]

Reconciliation in Post-Conflict Sri Lanka: An Inside Perspective of War Affected Women
[ Academia ] [ 21 Aug 2020 19:28 GMT ]

The three decades of war and the aftermath have had a tremendous impact on women, in the modification of gender roles in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

DNC 2020: Kamala Harris blasts Trump 'failure of leadership'
[ BBC ] [ 20 Aug 2020 11:00 GMT ]

Mr Biden and Ms Harris will challenge Mr Trump and his Vice-President Mike Pence in the election on 3 November. [Full Story]

Is India washing its hands off Sri Lankan Tamils?
[ New Indian Express ] [ 19 Aug 2020 23:39 GMT ]

To say that the political decimation of the parties that claim to speak for the Sri Lankan Tamils has been completed is an understatement. It was a rout. [Full Story]

Sivan Arul Illam: Northern Province enterprise exporting spices worldwide started as 2004 Tsunami children's refuge
[ LBO ] [ 18 Aug 2020 23:32 GMT ]

'Charity begins at home'. For the Northern Province based Sivan Arul Illam charity began by creating a children's home. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's 2020 Parliamentary Election Results - Analysis
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 17 Aug 2020 22:55 GMT ]

Although the Rajapaksas have come to power with a comfortable majority, their administration is likely to be encumbered by past baggage as well as emerging domestic and global realities. [Full Story]

Why India Must 'Win Back' Sri Lanka Before China Casts Its Spell
[ The Quint ] [ 16 Aug 2020 23:45 GMT ]

India is worried about losing Sri Lanka - which could return under China's spell - with the Rajapaksas back in power. [Full Story]

Which way Sri Lanka?
[ Frontline ] [ 15 Aug 2020 20:14 GMT ]

The price to be paid for five years of inaction and lack of appropriate action will be steep. India will know this once the Rajapaksas settle in. [Full Story]

Land Disputes With Government Leave Tamil Families in Limbo
[ Global Press Journal ] [ 14 Aug 2020 20:18 GMT ]

Hundreds of thousands of Tamils left their home villages during Sri Lanka's civil war. Some are trickling back to discover the government has seized their property, crippling their ability to start a new life. [Full Story]

The Right-Wing Hindu, Hypernationalist Politics of Mani Ratnam's Films
[ Huffington Post ] [ 13 Aug 2020 21:49 GMT ]

The 50 years of governance by the Dravidian parties has put the state on a progressive path. [Full Story]

Kamala Harris: Who is Biden's running mate in 2020 US election?
[ BBC ] [ 12 Aug 2020 23:23 GMT ]

The California Democrat was born in Oakland, California, to two immigrant parents: an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father. [Full Story]

Remembering the Sencholai massacre 14 years on
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 12 Aug 2020 23:00 GMT ]

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the massacre of 53 school girls by the Sri Lankan Air Force. [Full Story]

British police open war crimes investigation into UK mercenaries in Sri Lanka
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 11 Aug 2020 22:58 GMT ]

The Metropolitan Police has opened an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by British mercenaries against Tamils in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Four members of Rajapaksa family find place in Sri Lanka cabinet
[ Aljazeera ] [ 10 Aug 2020 23:57 GMT ]

Pursuing a nationalist agenda, their party has won a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which allows them to change the constitution and tighten their hold on power. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's General Election Results: Ready For A Structural Change?
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 09 Aug 2020 23:50 GMT ]

The election result has created a new reality where the government leaders may already be thinking about a new constitution. [Full Story]

'A Feast of Serendib': A culinary journey to Sri Lanka is a celebration of diversity
[ Napavalley Register ] [ 08 Aug 2020 14:25 GMT ]

Add to this three waves of colonization: Portuguese, arriving in 1505, Dutch in 1602 and British in 1802. The result is a fascinating cuisine. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka election: Rajapaksa brothers win 'super-majority'
[ BBC ] [ 07 Aug 2020 07:30 GMT ]

Activists, already alarmed by the diminishing space for dissent and criticism, fear such an eventuality could lead to ever greater authoritarianism. [Full Story]

Devolution with development after Lanka elections
[ New Age ] [ 07 Aug 2020 00:05 GMT ]

The civil society meetings in the north suggest that the northern people are not showing overt interest in political issues as they believe these are non-deliverable at the present time. [Full Story]

The long wait for justice
[ Himal Southasian ] [ 06 Aug 2020 23:55 GMT ]

One can only hope that despite mounting setbacks, the courage, resilience and persistence seen over the decades will keep the quest for justice alive. [Full Story]

Tamil Refugee Women In India: The Unsung & Stateless Who Saved Their Families In Exile
[ Feminism in India ] [ 05 Aug 2020 23:40 GMT ]

They continue to demand rehabilitation and redressal in a resolute attempt to restore dignity at least for future generations. [Full Story]

The battle for Sri Lanka's soul
[ TRT World ] [ 04 Aug 2020 23:25 GMT ]

'Democracy is very good. But the bad thing is that it depends on the majority.' [Full Story]

Sri Lanka, India and China: Here's What Keeps Neighbours Friendly - and What Doesn't
[ The Wire ] [ 03 Aug 2020 20:34 GMT ]

A comparative analysis will need to holistically explore relations, not only between India and Sri Lanka, but also those between India and other countries. [Full Story]

The heirs of two centuries of injustice: History of Tamil labourers in tea plantations in Sri Lanka
[ Incentiva ] [ 02 Aug 2020 22:48 GMT ]

This is the story of the Tamil women who are dedicated to collecting tea in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Parliamentary Elections: Pragmatic Tamil Leaders Should Be Elected
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 01 Aug 2020 21:49 GMT ]

It is crucial that Tamil people in the North and East of Sri Lanka make the appropriate choice in casting their votes and elect TNA with a clear mandate keeping in mind the long-term interests of Tamils. [Full Story]

Canadian Tamil Congress calls on all Tamils to cast their precious vote wisely at the forthcoming Parliamentary Election
[ CTC ] [ 31 Jul 2020 20:55 GMT ]

CTC has also worked with other TNA members on economic development efforts in the war affected Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's State Responsibility for Historical and Recent Tamil Genocides
[ Opinio Juris ] [ 30 Jul 2020 13:20 GMT ]

Courageous leadership is needed to end impunity for Sri Lanka's decades of genocide and other mass atrocities against Tamils as individuals and as a people. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Leading diaspora group calls on Tamils to protect hard-won gains
[ Menafn ] [ 29 Jul 2020 23:53 GMT ]

The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) noted that the Tamil community face monumental challenges today. [Full Story]

Building a path for national reconciliation
[ Asia News ] [ 28 Jul 2020 14:45 GMT ]

The country has to be united otherwise we will all lose. This is a challenge that continues to stand before us 37 years after Black July 1983,' the NPC said in a statement. [Full Story]

Senthooran: Black July Through the Eyes of a Survivor
[ GV ] [ 27 Jul 2020 22:50 GMT ]

It has been 37 years since the anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983, a riot that set the country ablaze and sparked a 30-year long and bloody war. [Full Story]

Video WW2: The nun who saved my life
[ BBC ] [ 26 Jul 2020 00:05 GMT ]

As a Jewish girl growing up in France during the Holocaust in World War Two, Hélène Ullrich was on the run. [Full Story]

How the 1981 riots shaped my future
[ 47Roots ] [ 25 Jul 2020 18:30 GMT ]

He thought it would best for me to go abroad for my safety and to get an education there. [Full Story]

REVIEWS - SRI LANKA Vanni: A graphic history
[ HIMAL SOUTHASIAN ] [ 24 Jul 2020 20:05 GMT ]

A recent graphic novel highlights the human cost of Sri Lanka's civil war. [Full Story]

Remembering Black July
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 23 Jul 2020 12:55 GMT ]

Today marks thirty-seven years since the horrors of the anti-Tamil pogrom of 1983, when thousands of Tamils were killed by Sinhala mobs backed by the then UNP government and state forces. [Full Story]

What will it take to stop India's police brutality?
[ BBC ] [ 22 Jul 2020 23:40 GMT ]

The custodial deaths of a father and son in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a Muslim youth have once again highlighted the issue of police brutality in India. [Full Story]

REVIEW: For Sri Lankan Refugees, a Free and Fair Australia Is a Myth
[ Foreign Policy ] [ 21 Jul 2020 21:22 GMT ]

A murder mystery is an indictment of Australia's draconian immigration policy that has left many legitimate asylum-seekers detained, deported, or dead. [Full Story]

Trials of a vaccine and new drug raise hope of beating covid-19
[ The Economist ] [ 20 Jul 2020 22:22 GMT ]

The Oxford team is leading a race to develop a vaccine that could halt the pandemic. [Full Story]

Is Sri Lanka Becoming a De Facto Junta?
[ Foreign Policy ] [ 19 Jul 2020 01:45 GMT ]

'The responsibilities of the civilian and military establishments need to be clearly understood, and we must always remember that citizens have individual as well as collective rights.' [Full Story]

People of Sri Lanka
[ Ministry of National Coexistence ] [ 18 Jul 2020 13:41 GMT ]

Human being is a beautiful manifestation of unity within diversity. [Full Story]

An Independent Kurdistan in the Middle East and Tamil autonomy in Sri Lanka
[ Sri Lanka Guardian ] [ 17 Jul 2020 00:25 GMT ]

We must build a society whose bedrock should be based on social justice and harmony. [Full Story]

Human Rights and Democracy Report 2019
[ Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK ] [ 16 Jul 2020 22:20 GMT ]

There was a deterioration in the overall human rights situation in Sri Lanka in 2019, with increased intercommunal tensions, violence against minority groups, and intimidation of human rights defenders. [Full Report]

TNA seeks clemency for Tamil political prisoners
[ Colombo Gazette ] [ 15 Jul 2020 23:55 GMT ]

There are Tamil political prisoners held in prisons of Sri Lanka, taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and are being held for a period ranging from 10 to 24 years. [Full Story]

Invisible men - How objectivity in journalism became a matter of opinion
[ The Economist ] [ 14 Jul 2020 22:00 GMT ]

Have you heard the news? It's about the news. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka looks to ban more Tamil diaspora organisations - reports
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 13 Jul 2020 23:45 GMT ]

'It already remains difficult for Tamil activists on the ground and around the world to document and speak out about human rights violations that are taking place. A renewed ban seeks to suppress that work even further.' [Full Story]

Listen to Jack Ma: 'To be successful learn from other people's mistakes
[ LBO ] [ 12 Jul 2020 23:50 GMT ]

The Northern Province has the second highest unemployment rate among highly qualified people. [Full Story]

Elusive Peace, Pervasive Violence: Sri Lankan Women's Struggle for Security and Justice
[ ICANN ] [ 11 Jul 2020 17:35 GMT ]

Families and communities were destroyed beyond recognition. In one survey of the war-torn areas, 80 percent of women were either widowed, unmarried, divorced or living separately from their husbands. [Full Story]

'Concern, concern, concern' - UN Special Rapporteur says Sri Lanka has 'rapidly changed'
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 10 Jul 2020 22:11 GMT ]

The North-East remained 'heavily militarized'. [Full Story]

BALM to train community mental health workers in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 09 Jul 2020 01:05 GMT ]

All 50 workers taking the program from July 10 are women and many are from marginalised sections of society. [Full Story]

Sex Ratio and Vulnerability in Northern and Eastern Provinces in Sri Lanka
[ World Bank ] [ 08 Jul 2020 00:15 GMT ]

This background paper was prepared as an input on the qualitative component of the 'Socio-Economic Assessment of the Confict-Affected Northern and Eastern Provinces' conducted by the World Bank in 2017. [Full Story]

Dominic Raab unveils UK sanctions against human rights abusers
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 07 Jul 2020 02:20 GMT ]

The sanctions will cover threats to 'an individual's right to life', freedom from torture or slavery. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's return to ethnic majoritarianism
[ East Asia Forum ] [ 06 Jul 2020 01:36 GMT ]

Sri Lanka faces renewed ethnic polarisation, especially for the minority Tamils let down by the government's persistent disregard for its post-war obligations. [Full Story]

Growing up in the shadow of Sri Lanka's civil war
[ Oxford University Press ] [ 05 Jul 2020 01:31 GMT ]

Tamil minorities everywhere lived under ethnic tension and discrimination. [Full Story]

Trafficking in Persons Report 2020
[ US Department of State ] [ 04 Jul 2020 08:34 GMT ]

The Government of Sri Lanka does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. [Full Story]

UN Human Rights Council 44: statement on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka
[ Foreign & Commonwealth Office UK ] [ 03 Jul 2020 12:30 GMT ]

We remain firmly committed to advancing the resolution's goals of accountability, reconciliation, and inclusive peace in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Vavuniya families of disappeared demand international justice for missing loved ones
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 02 Jul 2020 01:40 GMT ]

Many of the demonstrators were seen crying as they surpass over 1,230 days of continued protests demanding for justice and answers to the whereabouts of their loved ones. [Full Story]

Chinese Investment and the BRI in Sri Lanka
[ Chatham House ] [ 01 Jul 2020 11:39 GMT ]

Alyssa Ayres, Senior Fellow for South Asia at Council on Foreign Relations maintain that a reason Sri Lanka turn towards China is its disregards for human rights. [Full Story]

Maaveeran Pandaara Vanniyan - The last King of Vanni
[ Appa kuddy Foundation ] [ 30 Jun 2020 17:00 GMT ]

Tamil Historical Epic - Short Film with English Subtitle. [Full Story]

ISRO new launchpad in Tamil Nadu to save fuel, increase payload capacity
[ India TV ] [ 29 Jun 2020 15:15 GMT ]

Tamil Nadu had begun the land acquisition process for the spaceport in December 2019. [Full Story]

Indomitable Valour of Sangili Kumaran - The Last King of Jaffna
[ Appa kuddy Foundation ] [ 28 Jun 2020 02:12 GMT ]

Tamil Historical Epic - Short Film with English Subtitle. [Full Story]

Rethink: Pope Francis warns poor have become part of landscape
[ BBC ] [ 27 Jun 2020 22:05 GMT ]

Pope Francis explains why he sees Covid-19 as a potential turning point in history. [Full Story]

The emerging long-term complications of Covid-19, explained
[ Vox ] [ 26 Jun 2020 09:41 GMT ]

As all this preliminary research shows, we are still in the early days of understanding what this virus might mean for the growing number of Covid-19 survivors. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: End Persecution of Journalist
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 25 Jun 2020 00:10 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan authorities should stop targeting, intimidating, and harassing journalist and woman human rights defender, Dharisha Bastians, and her family. [Full Story]

No reprieve for Sri Lankan refugees
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 24 Jun 2020 00:45 GMT ]

For Sri Lankan Tamils who had to escape a war and its consequences, a virus now stands in their way — threatening the safety of their still makeshift homes, and destroying their livelihoods. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: END PERSECUTION OF JOURNALIST DHARISHA BASTIANS TARGETED FOR REPORTS, DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
[ Amnesty International ] [ 23 Jun 2020 23:58 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan authorities should stop targeting, intimidating and harassing journalist and woman human rights defender Dharisha Bastians and her family. [Full Story]

Amnesty by Aravind Adiga, review: tense moral dilemmas in the tough underbelly of Sydney
[ The Telegraph UK ] [ 22 Jun 2020 00:05 GMT ]

This Booker-winner's hard-edged tale of a Sri Lankan Tamil living on his wits as an illegal immigrant in Australia. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Can digging deeper divide the Tamil-speaking people even more?
[ Menafn ] [ 21 Jun 2020 22:25 GMT ]

Critics say that the Government is seeking to re-work ancient history to declare Eastern Province as a Buddhist exclusive region in the country. [Full Story]

Art has a significant role in mobilising resistance, says Sri Lankan Tamil poet Cheran
[ The Hindu ] [ 20 Jun 2020 19:55 GMT ]

'Ours is not war poetry. We are writing the genocide,' says Cheran, adding 'Because I know there is no closure, there is no justice for my community.' [Full Story]

Does the Tamil polity have the ability to chalk out a strategy for the future?
[ News In Asia ] [ 19 Jun 2020 00:45 GMT ]

This short article has been written with the aim of provoking a discussion on what needs to be done to ensure that the problems of the Tamils aren't disregarded or ignored while shaping a new global order. [Full Story]

Militarisation of governance, demographic change and the future of democracy in Sri Lanka
[ BTF ] [ 18 Jun 2020 21:05 GMT ]

The historic homelands of the Tamil-speaking people as accepted in the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord must be recognised and protected. [Full Story]

No place for soldiers: the militarisation of Sri Lanka's schools
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 17 Jun 2020 14:30 GMT ]

In order for Sri Lanka to have any chance of building sustainable peace, its government must take steps towards the restoration of ordinary civilian life for Tamils in the North and East. [Full Story]

Coronavirus: The fears of India's tea workers in lockdown
[ BBC ] [ 16 Jun 2020 02:52 GMT ]

One of the country's biggest employers, the tea industry, has been hugely impacted. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's slide into authoritarianism
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 15 Jun 2020 00:45 GMT ]

It is now quite clear that the President is putting his vision of a centralised, militarised, Sinhala Buddhist Sri Lanka into action - fuelling a palpable sense of fear among the country's minority communities. [Full Story]

Tribute to Ivan A Pedropillai
[ Messenger ] [ 14 Jun 2020 21:10 GMT ]

A humble philanthropist helping the poor was his guiding principle. [Full Story]

Don't Whitewash the Sri Lankan State's Many Crimes
[ Modern Diplomacy ] [ 13 Jun 2020 19:45 GMT ]

At some point, there will be the need to address the elephant in the room - accountability. Accountability for horrific end-of-war violations is an essential element of any lasting path to national reconciliation. [Full Story]

George Floyd: Five factors behind the UK Black Lives Matter protests
[ BBC ] [ 13 Jun 2020 19:00 GMT ]

'They want to take action because the current democratic process is not working for people.' [Full Story]

Much in a rename
[ Indian Express ] [ 12 Jun 2020 23:51 GMT ]

Linguistic sub regionalism has since become a part of the political consensus in Tamil Nadu, or to highlight the concerns of Tamils elsewhere, for example in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Webinar on Tamil language held
[ Times of India ] [ 11 Jun 2020 23:44 GMT ]

More than 2,500 researchers, students and professors took part in a 10-day international webinar jointly conducted by by Madurai Kamaraj University and International Institute of Tamil Studies (IITS). [Full Story]

So other people would be also free - The killing of George Floyd has sparked global soul-searching
[ The Economist ] [ 10 Jun 2020 23:30 GMT ]

Some Europeans have deplored American racism while failing to see the parallels in their own countries. [Full Story]

The black British history you may not know about
[ BBC ] [ 09 Jun 2020 19:48 GMT ]

'We have existed in Britain and been pioneers, inventors, icons. And then colonialism happened, and that has shaped the experiences of black people - but that is not all we are.' [Full Story]

For Sri Lanka's activists, a 'state of fear' resurfaces
[ The New Humanitarian ] [ 08 Jun 2020 23:55 GMT ]

'Sri Lanka transitional justice and truth-seeking will come to a standstill,' she said. [Full Story]

Is it the end of Tamil political history?
[ FT ] [ 07 Jun 2020 14:00 GMT ]

The political prospects of the Tamil people, or if you prefer, the Tamil ethnonational community or Tamil minority are at the dimmest, lowest and most challenging. [Full Story]

Coronavirus: India to reopen malls, restaurants and offices
[ BBC ] [ 06 Jun 2020 03:20 GMT ]

The health ministry has asked all establishments to ensure hand sanitisers are placed at entrances and to adhere to strict social distancing measures. [Full Story]

George Floyd: 'Pandemic of racism' led to his death, memorial told
[ BBC ] [ 05 Jun 2020 20:48 GMT ]

Those gathered at Thursday's tribute stood in silence for eight minutes, 46 seconds, the amount of time Mr Floyd was alleged to be on the ground under the control of police in Minneapolis. [Full Story]

Stranded on foreign soil
[ Frontline ] [ 04 Jun 2020 23:58 GMT ]

A large number of Tamils are stranded in the Gulf and East Asian countries because of the inordinate delay in bringing them back home. [Full Story]

A late farewell to Ivan Pedropillai
[ TWG ] [ 03 Jun 2020 21:20 GMT ]

The Tamil Writer's Guild must go on, if only to remember this extraordinary man who has made such an invaluable contribution to the Tamil struggle for peace and justice. [Full Story]

'We continue to underline the importance of accountability, justice and reconciliation' in Sri Lanka says UK minister
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 02 Jun 2020 23:50 GMT ]

The UK is one of the foremost contributors to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international tribunals, which can play a key role in deterring future acts, supporting victims.. [Full Story]

Economy of the Conflict Region in Sri Lanka: From Embargo to Repression
[ Academia.edu ] [ 01 Jun 2020 22:02 GMT ]

This study examines the nature of the economy in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka and explores the causes and effects of economic and social decline in the region. [Full Story]

50 years of Rajapaksa - A collective failure
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 31 May 2020 21:33 GMT ]

Thousands have disappeared; war criminals command the government, and Rajapaksa stands again at the helm of it all with his brother. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's First Step Toward Civil War
[ The Diplomat ] [ 30 May 2020 17:44 GMT ]

Along with or even without the valuable papers, it is actually a statement of Tamil culture and also strength. [Full Story]

Displaced from home, conflict survivors took refuge in tea
[ Livemint ] [ 29 May 2020 23:05 GMT ]

Two tea estates in India offered livelihood to exiled Tibetians and Tamil repatriates. [Full Story]

Early Port Cities in the Malay Peninsula
[ TWG ] [ 28 May 2020 00:20 GMT ]

As this work will show, it was not an Indianization but a Tamilization, since the ethnic Tamil people of the southernmost region of India played the active part to transfer their religious and cultural traits from their homeland to Southeast Asia. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Tamils living abroad struggle to reclaim land from afar
[ Thomson Reuters Foundation ] [ 27 May 2020 01:00 GMT ]

In Jaffna, more than 3,000 acres - about 12% of the land that was occupied - are still under military and police control, according to data from the city government. [Full Story]

Coronavirus India: Death and despair as migrant workers flee cities
[ BBC ] [ 26 May 2020 20:20 GMT ]

And some of them never made it home as they died because of exhaustion or in accidents. [Full Story]

India coronavirus: Bollywood actor Sonu Sood hailed for helping migrants
[ BBC ] [ 25 May 2020 15:44 GMT ]

And with state borders sealed and trains and buses suspended, thousands of men, women and children were left with no other option but to walk, sometimes more than 1,000km (620 miles) to reach home. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Officials Stoke Covid-19 Communal Hate
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 24 May 2020 09:50 GMT ]

Eleven years since the end of Sri Lanka's long and brutal civil war, the government has disavowed promised steps toward truth, justice, and accountability for war crimes. [Full Story]

11 years on, Tamils remember loved ones amid pandemic
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 May 2020 01:30 GMT ]

'It's easy for some to say let's forget the past and move on. But maybe moving on is about remembering and being able to freely remember,” [Full Story]

Behind Gotabaya Rajapaksa's threat to quit global bodies
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 22 May 2020 18:22 GMT ]

In the March session next year, the UNHRC is required to evaluate the progress made in the past two-plus years of time given to Sri Lanka to meet its mutually-agreed accountability commitments. [Full Story]

Government uses lockdown to prevent Tamils from remembering their civil war dead
[ Asia News ] [ 21 May 2020 11:45 GMT ]

Tamils feel discriminated by the central government. [Full Story]

Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day
[ Tamil Youth Organisation ] [ 20 May 2020 21:09 GMT ]

Whilst 11 years have passed since the genocide, there has still been little progress made in terms of justice, and accountability for the Tamil victims in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Unitedly and strategically working for the betterment of the Tamil people
[ GTF ] [ 19 May 2020 01:59 GMT ]

It is important that the Tamil community remain conscious and sensitive to the immense suffering and sacrifices made by large sections of our community during the decades-long struggle. [Full Story]

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the Mullivaikkal Massacre, marked annually as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day
[ PEARL ] [ 18 May 2020 21:55 GMT ]

Today, we mourn the dead, attempt to understand our collective trauma and commit to fulfilling Tamil aspirations for sovereignty, freedom, and justice. [Full Story]

Video - Prof. Francis Boyle on Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions campaign and the Genocide of Tamils
[ Counter Current ] [ 17 May 2020 19:55 GMT ]

Among others, he has Published The Tamil Genocide by Sri Lanka: The Global Failure to Protect Tamil Rights Under International Law. [Full Story]

Global Simulcasting of Mullivaikkaal Remembrance on May 18, 2020
[ BTF ] [ 16 May 2020 20:40 GMT ]

This worldwide event will start with a moment of silence conveyed online from Australia, UK, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, USA and other parts of the world, to pay tribute to the innocent lives killed. [Full Story]

Coronavirus leaves Gulf migrant workers stranded
[ BBC ] [ 15 May 2020 23:59 GMT ]

'I came here to fulfil my dreams, but now I just want to go back to my family,' he says. 'I don't care if that means that I end up earning less money.' [Full Story]

TNA seeks release of 'political prisoners' in Sri Lanka
[ The Hindu ] [ 14 May 2020 10:25 GMT ]

Tamil political parties and civil society organisations have for long sought the release of PTA detainees - many of whom were not charged. [Full Story]

'Post-War Sri Lanka: Fractured and Unjust for Tamils'
[ The Diplomat ] [ 13 May 2020 23:55 GMT ]

'Until the world recognises the suffering of Tamils and upholds justice through fair and egalitarian policy, the Tamil homeland will remain shrouded in an air of premeditated misery.' [Full Story]

No income now and future uncertain for these people
[ The Hindu ] [ 12 May 2020 02:32 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan refugee camp in Koodal Nagar remains barricaded since April 26 after a 36 year-old man there tested positive for COVID-19. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Expansion into Despotism Goes Unchallenged by Western Democracies
[ International Policy Digest ] [ 11 May 2020 00:15 GMT ]

While domestic criticism of Rajapaksa remains ineffectual, the international community too has been silent. [Full Story]

You People - Nikita Lalwani review: a complex read going behind the smiles at your local restaurant
[ The Telegraph UK ] [ 10 May 2020 12:30 GMT ]

In the kitchen, there's Shan, who fled the Sri Lankan civil war after his father was murdered. [Full Story]

Bargain abatement: Vietnam and the Indian state of Kerala curbed covid-19 on the cheap - Their secret is quick and efficient public-health systems
[ The Economist ] [ 09 May 2020 19:55 GMT ]

Cultural factors may have aided Vietnam's effort, such as a willingness to study and learn from China, social comfort with wearing protective masks, acceptance of being isolated away. [Full Story]

Post Conflict Development and Status of Implementation of Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka
[ Academia.edu ] [ 08 May 2020 11:45 GMT ]

Apart from political will, neumorologically thirteen will not be the final; we have to go for above thirteen amendments to the Constitution for the post conflict development in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Threatened with death. Then arrested. Still detained. Help #FreeRamzyRazeek
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 07 May 2020 22:35 GMT ]

Nearly a month on, he remains in detention without any formal charges having been brought against him. [Full Story]

Sampanthan's appeal for Tamil diaspora funds
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 06 May 2020 19:00 GMT ]

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R Sampanthan was full of praise for the Tamil diaspora, as he made an appeal for relief funds to come directly through his party's former lawmakers. [Full Story]

COVID-19: Out of chaos comes opportunity. But opportunity must be seized to become reality.
[ LBO ] [ 05 May 2020 23:55 GMT ]

A ladder for visionary policy makers, for diligent students and their savvy teachers, for agile entrepreneurs and for the regions beyond the Western Province to climb. [Full Story]

Karunanidhi a visionary and a reformist pushing for social justice
[ Outlook ] [ 04 May 2020 20:21 GMT ]

Tamil Nadu has raced ahead of most states on the parameters of growth, social justice and good governance,'. [Full Story]

RAJA RAJA CHOLAN THE GREAT (AD 985-1014 CE)
[ TamilNadu Tourism ] [ 03 May 2020 09:25 GMT ]

As a staggering administrator, intense warrior, a magnanimous philanthropist, and a lover of beautiful art and architecture, Raja Raja Cholan is an inevitable character in Tamil and world history. [Full Story]

A Tribute to Vanangaa Thamilan Mr Ivan Pedropillai (1937 -2020) - A Tamil Warrior !
[ TWG ] [ 02 May 2020 14:45 GMT ]

We grieve the loss of this colossus amongst us, but we also celebrate the life of one so special, eloquent and caring. May his soul Rest In Peace. [Full Story]

Ivan Pedropillai (1937 - 2020) - Patron of TWG, former Chairman and Editor In Chief Passed Away Yesterday
[ TWG ] [ 29 Apr 2020 17:17 GMT ]

A passionate advocate for the fair treatment of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka, he worked exhaustively to support many causes in the broader community. [Full Story]

Manufacturers focus on making PPE kits, face masks in Tamil Nadu's Tirupur
[ India Today ] [ 28 Apr 2020 23:10 GMT ]

With many of their finished goods stranded in warehouses or in transit, the industry is having stranded goods worth Rs 9,000 crore. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Threats To Human Rights And Rule Of Law Amid Coronavirus Pandemic - OpEd
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 27 Apr 2020 23:55 GMT ]

It is therefore essential that civil society organisations continue to speak up, and play a prominent and active role in probing, questioning, and challenging the actions of their governments. [Full Story]

'The Sri Lanka government will never give us anything meaningful'
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 26 Apr 2020 22:58 GMT ]

Marking 15 years since the killing of Tamil journalist Dharmeratnam Sivaram, popularly known as 'Taraki', we have reproduced his final written piece. [Full Story]

Government ordered to pay $200k in Tamil family case
[ Brisbane Times ] [ 25 Apr 2020 21:28 GMT ]

We have spent so much time in detention and we are very depressed. We ask the government to let us out, let us live in peace. [Full Story]

Families hit by Kochchikade attack feel helpless and hopeless
[ Daily Mirror ] [ 24 Apr 2020 03:12 GMT ]

'From last month onwards, victims' families have gone down mentally because of the first year remembrance. [Full Story]

Syria civil war: Germany holds unprecedented state torture trial
[ BBC ] [ 23 Apr 2020 18:05 GMT ]

Key evidence against the pair came from the tens of thousands of photos taken by a military defector known as Caesar, who fled Syria in 2013. [Full Story]

Coronavirus in India: Desperate migrant workers trapped in lockdown
[ BBC ] [ 22 Apr 2020 22:45 GMT ]

'By shutting everything down, you may be able to save 100,000 lives, but if the lockdown continues, you'll kill one million from hunger and starvation.' [Full Story]

Sri Lanka attacks: Easter Sunday bombings marked one year on
[ BBC ] [ 21 Apr 2020 16:17 GMT ]

But the day is not going unnoticed - not least for those whose lives were changed forever by the violence. [Full Story]

Breaking Bad - Uncovering The Oil Industry's Dirty Secret
[ BBC ] [ 20 Apr 2020 00:35 GMT ]

'Sometimes we feel like we're animals. We're treated like insects by these people.' [Full Story]

The Slow March Towards Accountability for War Crimes
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 19 Apr 2020 00:22 GMT ]

The current situation in Sri Lanka underlines why an international approach is often the only way. [Full Story]

'Relief': appeal win means Biloela family can put claim Sri Lanka is not safe, says supporter
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 18 Apr 2020 20:01 GMT ]

'We are moving in the right direction,' friend says after verdict that asylum seeker family was denied procedural fairness. [Full Story]

So many candidates, so little time - Can the world find a good covid-19 vaccine quickly enough?
[ The Economist ] [ 17 Apr 2020 01:10 GMT ]

The science of vaccination may well offer humankind a viable exit from the straits that the covid-19 pandemic has stuck it in. Politics could still see some people trampled underfoot in the rush to get out. [Full Story]

A military mindset : Sri Lanka's response to the coronavirus pandemic
[ The Polis Project ] [ 16 Apr 2020 03:41 GMT ]

Nowhere is the military's presence felt more acutely than in the primarily Tamil North-East. [Full Story]

British Tamil community rallies together in wake of coronavirus outbreak
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 15 Apr 2020 02:00 GMT ]

'We are a strong and resilient community,' added Raj. 'Although this is a new crisis, we have faced genocide and rally with that same spirit to help those less fortunate.' [Full Story]

Coronavirus: 'World faces worst recession since Great Depression'
[ BBC ] [ 14 Apr 2020 02:28 GMT ]

It said the pandemic had plunged the world into a 'crisis like no other'. [Full Story]

To Be Human Dust: Sri Lanka's 'Children Of The Sun'
[ Roar Media ] [ 13 Apr 2020 01:10 GMT ]

The film is also a powerful reminder of Sri Lanka's misfortune to come, as a kingdom embroiled in its own conflict. [Full Story]

How Delhi bus rape and murder galvanised India
[ BBC ] [ 12 Apr 2020 09:30 GMT ]

Why the case brought so many to the streets to protest and why it forced the government to reform anti-rape laws and set up fast-track courts. [Full Story]

Fighting it the Chinese way - China backs unproven treatments for covid-19
[ The Economist ] [ 11 Apr 2020 23:10 GMT ]

Traditional medicine is not just a placebo, claims the government. [Full Story]

Justice disappears for victims of the Sri Lankan civil war
[ East Asia Forum ] [ 10 Apr 2020 14:25 GMT ]

The UN estimates over 40,000 Tamil civilians may have died in these few short months. [Full Story]

2000 years on, the mystery of an ancient Bell remains unsolved
[ Indian Newslink ] [ 09 Apr 2020 22:15 GMT ]

Tamil is the oldest and the first of the six Original in the world. The other five are Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Chinese. [Full Story]

Coronavirus pandemic: Tracking the global outbreak
[ BBC ] [ 08 Apr 2020 11:00 GMT ]

This series of maps and charts tracks the spread of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year. [Full Story]

THE RISE, FALL, AND TRIUMPH OF SOUTH ASIAN INSURGENCIES: PART II - SRI LANKA
[ Georgetown Public Policy Review ] [ 07 Apr 2020 16:17 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's civil conflict has its origins in the country's history with British colonialism. [Full Story]

How will humans, by nature social animals, fare when isolated?
[ The Economist ] [ 06 Apr 2020 00:44 GMT ]

If lockdowns stretch on for months, old people will suffer particularly acutely. [Full Story]

Transnational Terror: Sri Lankan Easter Attacks
[ Harvard Political Review ] [ 05 Apr 2020 02:02 GMT ]

Sri Lanka has the potential to recover by strengthening inter-religious relations and easing tensions, providing an example of unity for the world. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka Uses Pandemic to Curtail Free Expression
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 04 Apr 2020 09:00 GMT ]

A failure to uphold the right to freedom of expression during the pandemic undermines basic human rights and could undermine trust in government actions. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Religious minorities must have their final rites respected
[ Amnesty International ] [ 03 Apr 2020 23:22 GMT ]

The only way to deal with this crisis is as one, united in our support for the health workers on the frontlines and people from all backgrounds who are at risk during the pandemic,' [Full Story]

BBK Partnership, Jaffna's accountants to the World
[ LBO ] [ 02 Apr 2020 00:02 GMT ]

He encourages others to come and setup business here as nothing would make him happier than competitors creating new jobs in the North. [Full Story]

Australian government continues to imprison Tamil refugee family
[ World Socialist Web Site ] [ 01 Apr 2020 14:29 GMT ]

The inhuman treatment of this family is part of an international assault on refugees, from the US-Mexico border to Europe and the world over. [Full Story]

Global Tamil Forum calls for a consideration of universal jurisdiction
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 31 Mar 2020 01:41 GMT ]

'It is time to end the diplomatic charade that Sri Lanka on its own will deliver on accountability and reconciliation. [Full Story]

Fascinating documentaries - all streaming - shine a light on the Rolling Stones, cats, dogs and more
[ Seattle Times ] [ 30 Mar 2020 22:05 GMT ]

While you're stuck at home, consider broadening your horizons with these fascinating and mostly little-known docs below. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Justice Undone for Massacre Victims
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 29 Mar 2020 00:02 GMT ]

'It should be clear that to deliver justice for victims and to deter future atrocities, an international justice mechanism is needed in Sri Lanka.' [Full Story]

Human Rights during COVID19: Sri Lanka Tamils community
[ eTN ] [ 28 Mar 2020 00:15 GMT ]

The international community is experiencing what the Tamil community is far too familiar with. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka pardons soldier who killed Tamil civilians
[ Aljazeera ] [ 27 Mar 2020 01:10 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's president on Thursday pardoned and released an army officer sentenced to death for slitting the throats of Tamil civilians, including four children, during the island's bloody ethnic war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka 'will never' exercise accountability for war crimes - Sumanthiran
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 26 Mar 2020 19:35 GMT ]

Sumanthiran told The Hindu that 'all the institutions of the state will eventually conspire together and let the offenders go free'. [Full Story]

Justice reversed for victims of the Mirusuvil massacre, Sri Lanka
[ Amnesty International ] [ 25 Mar 2020 22:44 GMT ]

After many long years, the victims of the Mirusuvil massacre from 2000 finally got a semblance of justice in 2015. It is despicable to have that justice reversed through an arbitrary Executive decision,' said Biraj Patnaik. [Full Story]

The Sri Lankan Civil War, a murdered photographer and the after-life come together in Shehan Karunatilaka's latest
[ Firstpost ] [ 24 Mar 2020 23:48 GMT ]

But many Sri Lankans who have lost and suffered cannot escape the ghosts of those dark days.' [Full Story]

My Return to Sri Lanka - Hope abounds in this island nation
[ The Epoch Times ] [ 23 Mar 2020 17:10 GMT ]

And everyone tells me the same thing-that in a country so long torn by conflict, the peace, between Buddhist and Muslim and Christian, and Tamil and Singhalese, is something they cannot lose, not now. [Full Story]

ONE WORLD PRAGUE 2020 Critique : Scars
[ Cineuropa ] [ 22 Mar 2020 23:50 GMT ]

Written by Agnieszka Zwiefka, Scars is a German-Polish co-production staged by Stefan Kloos. [Full Story]

Invisible people and their stories
[ Telegraph India ] [ 21 Mar 2020 14:45 GMT ]

What makes Amnesty a significant book is Aravind Adiga's scathing indictment of Australia's hypocrisies. [Full Story]

UN rights body should ensure accountability in Sri Lanka and annual updating of OPT database
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 20 Mar 2020 01:45 GMT ]

Sri Lanka has had its opportunity. Now the Human Rights Council needs to create an international accountability mechanism as a matter of urgency. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: JOINT ORAL STATEMENT AT HRC 43
[ Amnesty International ] [ 19 Mar 2020 10:30 GMT ]

We urge this Council to hold Sri Lanka accountable to its obligations under international law. [Full Report]

'It was never my plan to be the boss of a huge company'
[ BBC ] [ 18 Mar 2020 22:03 GMT ]

Born in Pittsburgh in 1976, to parents who had emigrated to the US from India (Tamil Nadu), his dad was a chemist, and his mother was a nuclear scientist. [Full Story]

Tamil scholars of non-Tamil background
[ Wikipedia ] [ 17 Mar 2020 00:05 GMT ]

Sailing from Lisbon he reached Goa in October 1710, from where he proceeded immediately to South India. He arrived in Madurai in May 1711. [Full Story]

2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Sri Lanka
[ U.S. Department of State ] [ 16 Mar 2020 11:15 GMT ]

Despite the country's cosponsorship of the 2015, 2017, and 2019 resolutions, senior government officials continued to make public statements attacking the UN process and asserting they would not take any steps to hold 'war heroes' accountable. [Full Story]

Coronavirus quarantine centres in North-East ‘has created fear among the people' - Sumanthiran
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 15 Mar 2020 14:55 GMT ]

By forcing those in isolation to travel so far from their point of entry, there was a risk that further spread could occur said one clinician. [Full Story]

France blames Sri Lanka for UN probe withdrawal
[ Asia Times ] [ 14 Mar 2020 00:10 GMT ]

“I tend to say that in order to reach economic development, you have to get reconciliation. So, the fight against impunity is obviously an important objective.” [Full Story]

Sinhalization of the North-East: Seruwila-Verugal
[ Pearl ] [ 13 Mar 2020 12:01 GMT ]

The scheme eventually altered the demographics of the region significantly. Existing Tamil and Muslim villages also saw their names changed to Sinhala names. [Full Story]

An 'unhappy marriage' that has saved thousands of lives
[ BBC ] [ 12 Mar 2020 20:45 GMT ]

'Everyone wants to change the world but no-one is ready to change themselves,' Uma says. 'I changed my attitude and I donated one kidney, but I also got a brother in return.' [Full Story]

The Forgotten Gem Perched on the Indian Ocean
[ Daily Beast ] [ 11 Mar 2020 00:33 GMT ]

Taking my sandals, I walked to the road past a few cows and knew that I would be carrying these memories of Jaffna for a long time. [Full Story]

Internationalized mechanism is the only way forward in Sri Lanka
[ Pearl ] [ 10 Mar 2020 12:05 GMT ]

The risk of recurrence is too high to let impunity prevail in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Rajapaksa eyes Sri Lanka election landslide to tighten grip on power
[ Nikkei Asian Review ] [ 09 Mar 2020 20:10 GMT ]

'The Rajapaksas cemented their credentials as champions of the Sinhalese cause during Mahinda's term, and the minorities expected Gotabaya to follow in similar stride,' [Full Story]

Campaigners chagrin rises as cynical Sri Lankan government formally withdraw from UN Human Rights Council a week before Special Rapporteur report
[ Pakistan Christian Post ] [ 08 Mar 2020 18:30 GMT ]

'By withdrawing from the UNHRC co-sponsored resolution the Sri Lankan Government has exhibited little or no passion to correct the wrongs of the past and it has been a devastating blow to campaigners. [Full Story]

As No One Can Remove 13A, Try the Next Best Option of Merging Seven Sinhala-Majority Provinces into One Province
[ Lankaweb ] [ 07 Mar 2020 03:12 GMT ]

We can rationalize 13A as it is not going anywhere unfortunately. [Full Story]

A Sydney teenager has addressed the UN, criticising Australia's detention of two sick Tamil refugees
[ SBS ] [ 06 Mar 2020 21:15 GMT ]

In casting a critical eye on Australia's immigration policies, the year 12 student urged the United Nations to assess the situation and intervene as necessary. [Full Story]

The good immigrant's dilemma
[ Livemint ] [ 05 Mar 2020 02:16 GMT ]

At home, as a Tamil, he is reviled by the Sri Lankan state; in his adopted home, Danny is just a poor brown man, who lives in a storeroom above a shop and cleans the homes of the rich. [Full Story]

Banning of Silva is a small victory for Tamils
[ The Hofstra Chronicle ] [ 04 Mar 2020 14:45 GMT ]

Silva's ban, nevertheless, is but one small victory in the larger mission of securing indigenous rights in an increasingly nationalistic world. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Tamil women fight for land a decade after war ends
[ The Thomson Reuters Trust ] [ 03 Mar 2020 23:56 GMT ]

'We lost everything in the war; why must we also lose the land we have lived on for generations? These are our homes, our livelihoods,'. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Security Agencies Shutting Down Civic Space
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 02 Mar 2020 23:20 GMT ]

'Sri Lankans are seeing their civil and political rights being stripped away and replaced by authoritarian structures at a rapid pace,' Ganguly said. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan government, companies and unions conspire to impose harsh wage deal on estate workers
[ WSWS ] [ 01 Mar 2020 00:10 GMT ]

Workers face the danger that an agreement is being prepared secretly to impose these models to increase workers' exploitation. [Full Story]

UN Rights Council Should Uphold Sri Lanka Commitments
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 29 Feb 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Instead of placing faith in empty government promises, the Core Group should be leading the call for the council to create an international justice mechanism. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Withdrawal from UN commitments requires robust response by Human Rights Council
[ Amnesty International ] [ 28 Feb 2020 20:45 GMT ]

Amnesty International calls on the Council to establish an international accountability mechanism to ensure the victims of decades-long conflict get the justice that is owed to them [Full Story]

Tamils fret over Sri Lanka's withdrawal from UN resolution
[ La-croix International ] [ 27 Feb 2020 18:33 GMT ]

According to the UN the war claimed the lives of at least 40,000 civilians in its final days alone. [Full Story]

How fear set in overnight in Sri Lanka
[ BBC ] [ 26 Feb 2020 22:07 GMT ]

Many fear that the Rajapaksa brothers' return to power will re-open old wounds and rivalries, but most are afraid to speak out. [Full Story]

In Sri Lanka, yet another chance at post-war recovery
[ The Hindu ] [ 25 Feb 2020 23:58 GMT ]

'A lot of time has gone by. From the outside it might seem somewhat normal now. But if you ask me if there is peace, I can't say yes.' [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Fulfil the demands of the families of the disappeared
[ Amnesty International ] [ 24 Feb 2020 14:22 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government must deliver justice, truth and reparation to the families of the forcibly disappeared, Amnesty International said today. [Full Story]

India is in Lanka scheme of things, but not Tamils
[ Free Press Journal ] [ 23 Feb 2020 00:10 GMT ]

The Rajapaksa brothers will have to make their peace with them(Tamils), apart from expiating their past record, if Sri Lanka is to regain its reputation as the Isle of Serendip. [Full Story]

Transitional justice: States should include issue of missing persons and their families in the process
[ International Committee of the Red Cross ] [ 22 Feb 2020 13:23 GMT ]

Statement to the UN Security Council Open Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Transitional Justice in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations. [Full Story]

Abandoned promises?
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 21 Feb 2020 00:30 GMT ]

It is vital that members of the international community remain vigilant - and that they maintain a firm and principled stance on the need to deal with the past in Sri Lanka. [Full Report]

Sri Lanka says it will withdraw from UN rights resolution
[ Aljazeera ] [ 20 Feb 2020 20:35 GMT ]

Mahinda's administration was on the verge of international sanctions because of its refusal to investigate the alleged war crimes when he was defeated at the January 2015 elections. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Families of 'Disappeared' Threatened
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 19 Feb 2020 00:05 GMT ]

'Family members of Sri Lanka's many 'disappeared' have a right to know what happened to their loved ones,' Ganguly said. [Full Story]

Conference: 'Tamil Dialogues: TOGETHER TOWARDS TOMORROW'
[ TIC ] [ 18 Feb 2020 18:00 GMT ]

Conference will take place on Sunday, 22 March 2020 from 9:30 - 18:00 at SOAS University (London) in the Khalili Lecture Theatre. [Full Story]

Mahinda's India Visit: Reading Between The Lines - Analysis
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 17 Feb 2020 23:45 GMT ]

Modi also sent out a polite reminder on the limited window of opportunity available to the Rajapaksa brothers to reach a domestically evolved political solution to the ethnic question. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka out of the shadows
[ The Tribune ] [ 16 Feb 2020 22:17 GMT ]

Rajapaksa point-blank ruled out any solution to the Tamil problem that 'the majority community in Sri Lanka will not accept'. [Full Story]

Public Designation, Due to Gross Violations of Human Rights, of Shavendra Silva of Sri Lanka Under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act
[ U.S. Department of State ] [ 15 Feb 2020 00:25 GMT ]

The United States will continue to use all available tools and authorities, as appropriate, to address human rights violations and abuses around the world no matter when they occurred or who perpetrated them. [Full Story]

The challenge of inequality in a rapidly changing world
[ UN Dept of Economic and Social Affairs ] [ 14 Feb 2020 00:30 GMT ]

The World Social Report 2020 examines the impact of four such megatrends on inequality: technological innovation, climate change, urbanization and international migration. [Full Report PDF]

Uki offers an alternate route from the Northern Province into the tech industry
[ LBO ] [ 13 Feb 2020 00:25 GMT ]

Yarl IT Hub is a group of IT professionals with roots in Sri Lanka's Northern Province, though many are now based in Colombo and overseas. Their stated aim is 'To Make Jaffna The Next Silicon Valley'. [Full Story]

Beyond Rajapaksa's Visit, Are India and Sri Lanka Really on the Same Page?
[ The Diplomat ] [ 12 Feb 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Modi in his press statement said, 'I am confident that the Government of Sri Lanka will realize the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and respect within a united Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Launch of Frames of Power: Citizen modelling perceptions of Sri Lanka's constitution
[ Ground Views ] [ 11 Feb 2020 22:15 GMT ]

Building on the critically acclaimed Corridors of Power project, Frames of Power is a pioneering & unique web platform for citizens to visually model & compare perceptions of constitutional power. [Full Story]

Building a working-class movement for Tamil rights
[ The Socialist ] [ 10 Feb 2020 23:57 GMT ]

Tamil Solidarity organised this meeting to bring out the political significance of the book for the struggle for the rights of the Tamil-speaking people. [Full Story]

Guess, who is wooing Sri Lanka now?
[ Observer Research Foundation ] [ 09 Feb 2020 23:45 GMT ]

It is as yet unclear if Moscow is in it all by itself, or is also fronting for China, too. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka And Geneva's 43rd Session Of The UN HRC - OpEd
[ Eurasia Review ] [ 08 Feb 2020 00:40 GMT ]

India and the international community are responsible for today's situation of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: The ruling elite's hollow national independence celebrations
[ World Socialist Web Site ] [ 07 Feb 2020 01:15 GMT ]

The SEP fights for a Sri Lankan and Eelam Socialist Republic, as part of a Union of South Asian socialist republics. [Full Story]

EDM tabled to support the establishment of Tamil Heritage Month in the UK
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 06 Feb 2020 20:55 GMT ]

In Canada, following a unanimous decision in the House of Commons, a resolution was passed in 2016 to declare January as Tamil Heritage Month. [Full Story]

Gravitas: Sri Lanka drops Tamil version of national anthem
[ WION ] [ 05 Feb 2020 09:40 GMT ]

Is the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government forcing the Sinhalese identity on Lankan Tamils? [Full Story]

2019 in review - Sri Lanka: Security fears trump freedoms
[ Amnesty International ] [ 04 Feb 2020 14:12 GMT ]

Unrealized government commitments to pursue truth, justice and reparations, continued impunity for violations and abuses, compromised freedoms of religion and expression characterized 2019 for Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan activists make their point in Tamil
[ UCA News ] [ 03 Feb 2020 23:55 GMT ]

About 27 percent of Sri Lankans regard Tamil as their mother tongue. [Full Story]

How Landmines Made This Sri Lankan Lagoon an Avian Paradise
[ Atlas Obscura ] [ 02 Feb 2020 23:49 GMT ]

Mangroves grew tall and thick across a sheet of lightly rippling water. White cranes fluttered under a sky washed pale blue by the rising sun. [Full Story]

Watch List 2020: A Dangerous Sea Change in Sri Lanka
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 01 Feb 2020 00:30 GMT ]

The changes pose a deep challenge to EU policy in Sri Lanka, which has supported ethnic reconciliation, human rights and political stability rooted in inclusive governance. [Full Story]

Oversimplifying the History of Anarchy on the Asian Continent
[ Hyperallergic ] [ 31 Jan 2020 22:59 GMT ]

The 2019 Asian Art Biennial, for all its curatorial ambition, fails to comprehend the heterogenous and fragmented nature of being Asian, from ancient times through now. [Full Story]

THE RETURN OF THE RAJAPAKSE DYNASTY AND THE SURVIVAL OF A UNITED SRI LANKA
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 30 Jan 2020 03:25 GMT ]

The new President can turn the political situation to his lasting legacy and even make amends for his past failings by restoring Tamils' lost nationhood in the form of self-determination of the North East within a United Sri Lanka. [Full Story]

2019 in review - Sri Lanka: Security fears trump freedoms
[ Amnesty International ] [ 29 Jan 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Unrealized government commitments to pursue truth, justice and reparations, continued impunity for violations and abuses, compromised freedoms of religion and expression characterized 2019 for Sri Lanka. [Full Report]

'Why is the UN silent?' - Tamil Civil Society Forum demands response over disappearances
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 28 Jan 2020 23:30 GMT ]

'The UN will be well reminded to reread the recommendations and conclusions of the Charles Petrie Report commissioned by Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Missing and Murdered Journalists
[ Byline Times ] [ 27 Jan 2020 23:12 GMT ]

Press freedom has been a significant problem in Sri Lanka since the civil war, which lasted nearly three decades from 1983 to 2009. [Full Story]

The Marriages In-Between
[ Himal Southasian ] [ 26 Jan 2020 23:30 GMT ]

The book is a clear, fresh portrait of the Tamil community as phoenix. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka faces EU ire after government breaks UN war obligations
[ Nikkei Asian Review ] [ 25 Jan 2020 02:45 GMT ]

Those obligations include the setting up of an office for missing persons and establishing legal mechanisms to investigate alleged war crimes as part of 'promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights.' [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's new government to investigate war missing
[ Aljazeera ] [ 24 Jan 2020 23:30 GMT ]

International rights groups claim at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed in the final stages of the separatist war. [Full Story]

The enemies of writing
[ The Hindu ] [ 23 Jan 2020 22:59 GMT ]

How do journalists report pain, loss and grief without exhibiting voyeuristic tendencies? [Full Story]

Human Rights Watch - World Report 2020
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 22 Jan 2020 20:10 GMT ]

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights strongly criticized the government's failure to implement its human rights commitments, and warned that 'continuing impunity risks fueling communal or inter-ethnic violence, and instability.' [Full Story]

Eyes on the pearl
[ The Week ] [ 21 Jan 2020 20:33 GMT ]

New Delhi has a high stake in ensuring that the assurances given to the war-ravaged Tamil minority in northern and eastern Sri Lanka are implemented. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka civil war: Rajapaksa says thousands missing are dead
[ BBC ] [ 20 Jan 2020 23:30 GMT ]

Many have held out hope that their relatives were still alive and in the hands of the security forces. These families meet and hold daily vigils to protest and to keep their relatives' memories alive. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka to legalise impunity for intelligence officials
[ JDS ] [ 19 Jan 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Several intelligence officers under investigation for alleged abductions, disappearances and extra judicial killings are currently held in detention. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka calls for sharing of UK military intelligence to tackle Tamil diaspora
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 18 Jan 2020 01:14 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan military is also accused of having deliberately ignored intelligence information with regards to last year's deadly Easter Sunday bombing attacks. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: ATTACKS ON HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATIONS, MEDIA ORGANISATIONS AND JOURNALISTS IN SRI LANKA
[ Amnesty International ] [ 17 Jan 2020 02:25 GMT ]

Such harassment and intimidation has a chilling effect by way of suppressing dissent, creating fear in organizations and individuals defending and promoting human rights. [Full Story]

British Tamil rapper M.I.A receives MBE from Royal Family
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 16 Jan 2020 22:00 GMT ]

Having freedom to speak my truth and to do it through music has helped me speak for those who do not have those privileges. I will continue fight for those who are silenced or persecuted by others.' [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Human Rights Gains in Grave Peril
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 15 Jan 2020 00:40 GMT ]

New Administration Poses Threat to Activists, Media, Victims Seeking Justice. [Full Story]

British lawmakers join Tamils in celebration of Pongal in Parliament
[ Tamil Guardian ] [ 14 Jan 2020 21:45 GMT ]

Over two days of celebrations, parliamentarians joined local Tamils in traditional celebrations involving musical performances, speeches and generous servings of sweet pongal. [Full Story]

The Hambantota Port Deal: Myths and Realities
[ The Diplomat ] [ 13 Jan 2020 14:10 GMT ]

These facts do not justify the Mahinda Rajapaksa government's decision to construct the port using foreign loans obtained at higher interest rates. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Repeal Abusive Counterterrorism Law
[ Human Rights Watch ] [ 12 Jan 2020 00:01 GMT ]

'The new Rajapaksa government's embrace of this abusive law is just one of many signs that the rights of Sri Lankans are at grave risk.' [Full Story]

Advocacy groups calls for justice for murdered Christian journalist
[ Asia News ] [ 11 Jan 2020 01:10 GMT ]

In 2009 Lasantha Wickrematunge was assassinated in broad daylight on his way to work as editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan president outlines big business, communalist policy to parliament
[ WSWS ] [ 10 Jan 2020 18:00 GMT ]

M.A. Sumanthiran, a leading TNA parliamentarian, appealed to President Rajapakse to consider Sri Lanka a 'pluralistic' society, and voiced his support for a new constitution. [Full Story]

Alienating minorities to hold on to the Sinhala majority
[ News In Asia ] [ 09 Jan 2020 23:50 GMT ]

The party and the Gotabaya regime will have to hold on to their hardline Sinhala majoritarian stance to keep the Sinhala constituency with them in the run up to the parliamentary elections. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Government accused of reneging on pledges to UNHRC, EU
[ Menafn ] [ 08 Jan 2020 23:55 GMT ]

Many of these undertakings were never met, but in early 2019 the government and UNHRC renewed the commitment. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - Tamil Progressive Alliance to contest Parliament polls with Sajith
[ Menafn ] [ 07 Jan 2020 09:45 GMT ]

He said that the Tamils have extended their support to Premadasa so every effort must be taken to ensure Premadasa wins the election. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Presidential Election Reopens Old War Wounds For Tamils
[ The National Interest ] [ 06 Jan 2020 23:45 GMT ]

The physical wounds serve as a perfect metaphor and a reminder to the Rajapaksas. That wounds may heal, but the scars linger long after the war has been fought and won. [Full Story]

TNA cautions Gotabaya against 'majoritarianism'
[ The Hindu ] [ 05 Jan 2020 23:58 GMT ]

However, welcoming President Rajapaksa's proposal for a new constitution, Mr. Sumanthiran said considerable drafting work had been done during the predecessor government's time in office. [Full Story]

Ocean 12 asylum seeker cricket team embrace sport in Australia to 'forget past life'
[ ABC News ] [ 04 Jan 2020 14:04 GMT ]

'It's heartbreaking and very detrimental to mental health to have a wife and children in another country that you haven't seen in 10, 12 years,' Ms Nagle said. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka president urges limit on minority political power
[ Washington Post ] [ 03 Jan 2020 12:50 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's new president on Friday endorsed amending the constitution to reduce the power of minority political parties. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's Tamils fear discrimination under new president
[ Aljazeera ] [ 02 Jan 2020 08:22 GMT ]

The gulf between the majority Sinhalese and Tamil community is still wide. [Full Story]

Making returning citizens feel at home
[ The Hindu ] [ 01 Jan 2020 18:20 GMT ]

They fled a civil war in their homeland - Sri Lanka's north and east - that spanned over 30 years, brutally destroying life and property. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka - 'Justice' for Minorities?
[ Menafn ] [ 31 Dec 2019 14:15 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan State structure needs to devise mechanisms and methods to ensure that justice is not only done, but is also seen as being done. [Full Story]

'They did not see us'
[ The Indian Express ] [ 30 Dec 2019 18:00 GMT ]

Camp inmates are not allowed to visit other states, and prior permission is required even if they go out of the district. [Full Story]

The art of darkness
[ India Today ] [ 29 Dec 2019 02:35 GMT ]

We know the Sri Lankan civil war killed over 40,000 and displaced millions. [Full Story]

Success story of a 'victim diaspora'
[ The Hindu ] [ 28 Dec 2019 10:47 GMT ]

Traumatised by loss of livelihood and the lives of loved ones, working upwards from an economic zero, Sri Lankan Tamils had struggled to survive. [Full Story]

In Colombo, a nativity play becomes a symbol of inter-ethnic and inter-faith unity
[ AsiaNews ] [ 27 Dec 2019 01:30 GMT ]

'In our society the ethnic and religious harmony of the past no longer exist after the Easter Sunday attacks.' [Full Story]

Sri Lankan crab curry spreads hope and flavor
[ Nikkei Asian Review ] [ 26 Dec 2019 19:55 GMT ]

They are meals that leave a stronger taste of hope than the bland reams of reconciliation policy proposals. [Full Story]

Pope Christmas message urges softening of 'self-centred hearts'
[ BBC ] [ 25 Dec 2019 14:46 GMT ]

For change to happen for the better, he said, people had to be more compassionate [Full Story]

A UN aid worker took the horrors of Sri Lanka's civil war and turned conflict into a graphic novel
[ Scroll.in ] [ 24 Dec 2019 14:32 GMT ]

Through Vanni, we continue to demand justice for the victims and survivors of the Sri Lankan conflict, whose voices are routinely ignored. [Full Story]

Tell Tamil stories to keep culture alive, Toronto author tells students
[ Toronto.com ] [ 23 Dec 2019 20:45 GMT ]

Community is prospering economically, but its stories and culture are fading a little more each day. [Full Story]

With poor conditions in camps, Sri Lankan Tamils remain citizens of no-man's land
[ The New Indian Express ] [ 22 Dec 2019 15:08 GMT ]

The camp conditions are hellish. [Full Story]

India No More A Refuge for The Persecuted
[ IDN ] [ 21 Dec 2019 23:35 GMT ]

Traditionally, Europe was home to those fleeing persecution. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, the nowhere people
[ Frontline ] [ 20 Dec 2019 01:15 GMT ]

There are practical problems that the Tamil refugees face if they are not citizens. [Full Story]

Prince of Wales condemns 'assault on religious freedom' in service at Tamil church
[ The Catholic Universe ] [ 19 Dec 2019 17:45 GMT ]

The prince has developed a tradition in the run-up to Christmas of visiting persecuted Christian communities, to listen to their experiences, attend services and show solidarity with their plight. [Full Story]

What you should know about India's 'anti-Muslim' citizenship law
[ Aljazeera ] [ 18 Dec 2019 00:22 GMT ]

Ruling Hindu nationalist government pushes for the law, which opposition says violates India's secular constitution. [Full Story]

When Hindus from Pakistan get citizenship, why not Hindus from Sri Lanka? asks Kamal Haasan
[ WIONews ] [ 17 Dec 2019 12:00 GMT ]

The law is being criticized for discriminating on grounds of religion and violating Article 14 of the Constitution. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan worker at Swiss embassy arrested over kidnap claim
[ BBC ] [ 16 Dec 2019 20:35 GMT ]

Opponents fear the return of the dynasty could spark a new crackdown on critics. [Full Story]

Post-elections Sri Lanka trajectory yet to pan out
[ The Asia Times ] [ 15 Dec 2019 20:10 GMT ]

Gotabaya would be acutely aware that the western powers will focus the lens on him and bring into perspective his role during the Eelam War and the alleged atrocities by the military. [Full Story]

'After 30 Years, We're Still Refugees?' Sri Lankan Tamils on CAB
[ The Quint ] [ 14 Dec 2019 22:04 GMT ]

Over one lakh Sri Lankan Tamils live as refugees across Tamil Nadu. Most of them arrived in the 90s, and have remained refugees. [Full Story]

Britain's election - Victory for Boris Johnson's all-new Tories
[ The Economist ] [ 13 Dec 2019 17:45 GMT ]

The Conservatives' capture of the north points to a realignment in British politics. Will it last? [Full Story]

World Tamil Conference in Madurai Beginning Tomorrow: Musicians from 50 Countries Participate
[ OBN ] [ 12 Dec 2019 23:55 GMT ]

The conference is designed to restore Tamilism and spread the goodness and goodwill of Tamils ??worldwide. [Full Story]

UK PM Boris Johnson Appeals To Tamils In Campaign Video, Explains Benefit Of Brexit
[ Republic World ] [ 11 Dec 2019 23:58 GMT ]

Thanking the Tamil community for their contribution to the United Kingdom, he noted their success in areas such as the National Health Service (NHS) and entrepreneurship. [Full Story]

Brexit will ultimately destabilise Europe, historians fear
[ The Independent UK ] [ 10 Dec 2019 01:05 GMT ]

Almost 70 per cent of the period 1500 to 1945 was scarred by major wars in which millions of Britons and continental Europeans died. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's new leader promises to unite country
[ Aljazeera ] [ 09 Dec 2019 00:15 GMT ]

There remains deep distrust among the country's minority groups that voted overwhelmingly against him. [Full Story]

Ten years of tragedy in Sri Lanka
[ Livemint ] [ 08 Dec 2019 00:20 GMT ]

The fractured history of Sri Lanka has been powerfully chronicled by several foreign journalists. [Full Story]

Ethnic reconciliation lies in removing hard-wired attachments and aversions by spiritual means
[ Menafn ] [ 07 Dec 2019 11:23 GMT ]

Ethnically and religiously segregated education systems are the breeding grounds of racism or ethno-centrism. [Full Story]

Who is Sundar Pichai and what does Alphabet do?
[ BBC ] [ 06 Dec 2019 02:48 GMT ]

Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google, has been put in charge of its parent company Alphabet, after co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin announced they were stepping down. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Families waiting for news from their children
[ BBC ] [ 05 Dec 2019 02:04 GMT ]

About 20,000 people, mostly Tamils, are thought to still be missing. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan court blocks Swiss embassy worker from leaving
[ Swissinfo ] [ 04 Dec 2019 01:45 GMT ]

This comes a day after Sri Lanka's ambassador to Switzerland was summoned to Bern to explain a factual dispute over the incident. [Full Story]

Colombo objects to UK's Tory party manifesto favouring two-state solution for Sri Lanka
[ Outlook ] [ 03 Dec 2019 02:25 GMT ]

Both the Conservative Party and the Labour Party are seeking the support of the large Tamil diaspora in the UK at the election. [Full Story]

The Daily Fix: Why India will find it tough to ensure that Sri Lanka keeps its promises to Tamils
[ Scroll.in ] [ 02 Dec 2019 00:33 GMT ]

In its eagerness to keep the Chinese away from Sri Lanka, the Indian government should not ignore its promises to Tamils across the Palk Straits. [Full Story]

India 'satisfied' with Gotabaya's Lanka assurance
[ The Asian Age ] [ 01 Dec 2019 02:56 GMT ]

PM Modi expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would fulfil the aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils for 'equality, justice, peace and honour' and take forward the process of 'national reconciliation'. [Full Story]

Is Gotabaya Rajapaksa the president Sri Lankans need?
[ Aljazeera ] [ 30 Nov 2019 01:45 GMT ]

Rajapaksa is sworn into office promising to strenghten security and fix the economy. He's a hero for some, a war criminal to others. [Full Story]

New Head of UNDP in Asia Pacific Region ready to support countries accelerate on their sustainable development pathways
[ United Nations Development Programme ] [ 29 Nov 2019 20:08 GMT ]

Ms. Wignaraja added that innovation will play a key role in addressing both current and emerging development challenges with solutions that learn globally, and are tailored locally. [Full Story]

Swiss condemn 'attack' on Sri Lanka embassy worker
[ BBC ] [ 28 Nov 2019 02:25 GMT ]

An employee of the Swiss embassy in Sri Lanka has been 'detained and threatened' in Colombo, sparking anger from Swiss authorities. [Full Story]

SRI LANKA: UNSAFE AT HOME, UNSAFE ABROAD: STATE OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS REFUGEES AND ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN SRI LANKA
[ Amnesty International ] [ 27 Nov 2019 01:30 GMT ]

The Sri Lankan government has a clear responsibility to protect refugees and asylum-seekers in its territory. [Full Report]

Sri Lanka's Presidential Election Brings Back a Polarising Wartime Figure
[ International Crisis Group ] [ 26 Nov 2019 00:44 GMT ]

Many worry that Rajapaksa, a Sinhalese nationalist, will energise anti-Muslim campaigning and further alienate the Tamil community. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's election results worry ethnic Tamils
[ Aljazeera ] [ 25 Nov 2019 01:00 GMT ]

Winner Gotabaya Rajapaksa's support dips in majority Tamil areas, where people have not forgotten his role in the civil war. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka: Return of the Rajas
[ The Asian Age ] [ 24 Nov 2019 10:15 GMT ]

If the war-victors in the Rajapaksas cannot deliver a negotiated settlement to the vexatious issue, no other leader and party could be expected to do so - as the past five years have shown, since. [Full Story]

Cautious optimism
[ The Week ] [ 23 Nov 2019 23:40 GMT ]

The reconciliation process should continue so that we can... continue the energetic engagement of pluralism.' [Full Story]

Will It Be A Case Of Here We Go Again?
[ TWG Editorial ] [ 22 Nov 2019 22:22 GMT ]

The perennial problem of the Tamil question cannot be swept under the carpet. [Full Story]

Oh brother - Sri Lanka's new president has a worrying past
[ The Econimist ] [ 21 Nov 2019 17:25 GMT ]

If Mr Rajapaksa really wants to demonstrate that he is a changed man, he should start by reassuring minorities. [Full Story]

'The Terminator': how Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ruthless streak led him to power
[ The Guardian UK ] [ 20 Nov 2019 20:00 GMT ]

Sri Lanka's new leader oversaw brutal operation that ended civil war but left 40,000 dead. [Full Story]

BTI 2018 | Sri Lanka Country Report
[ BTI Project ] [ 19 Nov 2019 02:35 GMT ]

Ethnic reconciliation and a political settlement on devolution of power remain key issues. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka's New President Has A Tainted Past
[ Madras Courier ] [ 18 Nov 2019 12:55 GMT ]

One can only hope that Gotabaya stands by his rhetoric of inclusiveness and respect the rights and freedoms of minorities. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka election: Ex-defence chief Rajapaksa set to win vote
[ BBC ] [ 17 Nov 2019 09:07 GMT ]

In a statement on Twitter, Mr Rajapaksa made a call for national unity saying 'all Sri Lankans are part of this journey'. [Full Story]

Sri Lankans vote in big numbers for a new president to heal divisions after attacks
[ Reuters ] [ 17 Nov 2019 00:50 GMT ]

Security fears are high, with minority Tamils and Muslims concerned the election could see Gotabaya Rajapaksa take power and return to the policies of his brother. [Full Story]

1000 Days of Protest, No Action or New Information on War Disappeared in Sri Lanka
[ BTF ] [ 16 Nov 2019 14:33 GMT ]

We call on the international community to honor the urgent demands by the families of disappeared for justice in the form of a special court, the exercise of universal jurisdiction and the imposition of sanctions. [Full Story]

A Decade of Impunity: unlocking accountability for the victims of Sri Lanka's killing fields
[ Sri Lanka Campaign ] [ 15 Nov 2019 02:15 GMT ]

Strikingly absent from the campaign trail has been any meaningful discussion of the enduring legacy of Sri Lanka's bitter civil war in 2009, and the concerns of those most affected by it. [Full Story]

Sri Lankan author attacked ahead of key presidential polls
[ Aljazeera ] [ 14 Nov 2019 22:44 GMT ]

Attack comes a week after Lasantha Wijeratne published a book criticising the main opposition candidate. [Full Story]

Sri Lanka presidential election: With reconciliation relegated to background, pre-poll rhetoric takes country back to turbulent past
[ Firstpost ] [ 13 Nov 2019 23:50 GMT ]

The election results will also determine the result of parliamentary elections as well as the future course of democracy in the country. [