Sri Lanka's newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, declared there is no longer a need for an Opposition in Parliament, as he addressed supporters last week.

Speaking at the first rally for the 2024 Gampaha District parliamentary election in Katunayake, he urged voters to ‘eradicate political opposition’ and elect a government capable of handling both ‘internal and external challenges’ effectively.

"On November 14th, it's going to be the biggest clean-up project," Dissanayake proclaimed to an applauding crowd. "After winning the elections and dissolving Parliament, we have given the people the right to clean up this parliament. According to our rough estimates, over 60 parliamentarians have voluntarily stepped back from politics, particularly in areas like Hambantota."

He further stressed the importance of strengthening his National People’s Power (NPP) coalition.

Dissanayake expressed confidence in winning a significant majority of the 19 seats in the district and urged voters to reject corrupt politicians and new candidates from rival parties. He emphasized that strong parliamentary representation in the 225-member Parliament is essential for effective governance, which he claimed had been lacking in the past.

Parliament, according to Dissanayake, has become one of the most distrusted institutions in the country, often accused of failing to act in the people’s best interests. He pointed to instances where Parliament had shielded controversial figures like Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, reinforcing his argument for change.

Addressing criticisms about the NPP’s capacity to govern, Dissanayake dismissed the doubts and reassured the public that the party would prove its critics wrong. He promised a streamlined administration, with only 25 ministers and an equal number of deputies, contrasting this with previous bloated governments. He also criticized former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had questioned the NPP's economic competence before the presidential election, while commending his three-member Cabinet for stabilizing the economy and regaining international trust.

Dissanayake expressed optimism that many voters who had previously supported rival parties or abstained from voting in the Presidential Election would now back the NPP. He highlighted the party's strong performance in the Gampaha district, where it had outperformed candidate Sajith Premadasa by over 460,000 votes in the presidential race.

The Sri Lankan government has reportedly reversed a decision not to sign a letter which has been backed by 105 states, criticising Israel’s decision to bar United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) António Guterres from entering the country.

Last week, Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, stood by the move to declare Guterres "persona non grata," accusing him of failing to denounce Iran's missile attacks and ignoring what Katz called antisemitic and anti-Israel actions. This diplomatic move occurs amidst ongoing calls from the UN for a ceasefire in the volatile Middle East.

Sri Lanka initially opted not to endorse the letter, which was spearheaded by Chile and backed by Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Uganda, Indonesia, Spain, Guyana, and Mexico. As 105 member states backed the letter, Sri Lanka’s name was missing, alongside that of India.

In the joint letter, the signatory countries expressed concern over Israel's actions, which they believe undermine the UN’s efforts to mediate conflicts and provide humanitarian aid. "Such decisions hinder the ability of the United Nations to carry out its mission," the letter noted, emphasizing that it could further delay peace efforts in the Middle East, especially regarding a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

See the full text of the letter released by Chile on October 1, here.

Over the past year, as Israel launched its offensive in Gaza, Sri Lanka has sought to build ties with the country, sending thousands of workers and opening a new consulate.

However, as domestic criticism grew, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said that on 11 October, it had “conveyed its desire to be a signatory”.

Sri Lanka itself has had a thorny relationship with the United Nations. Following the devastating Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 then-UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, was blocked by the government from visiting Tamil areas in the North-East.

CNN reported that the Sri Lankan government, led by then president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, refused to allow the UN Secretary General’s wish to visit LTTE controlled territory. "Sri Lanka's government has stopped visiting U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan from touring tsunami-ravaged areas controlled by its Tamil Tiger rebel foes, despite his requests," reported Reuters.

In 2010, then- Sri Lankan foreign minister GL Peiris has said that a UN panel on human rights will not be allowed into the country. Protests were held against the UN panel, which was examining war crimes committed by the government against Tamils, leading to the UN secretary-general to recall his envoy to Sri Lanka.

Cleaning at Vannivilankulam Thuyilum Illam in Mullaitivu has begun in preparation of Maaveerar Naal next month. 

Tamils laid flowers at a destroyed LTTE gravestone to remember fallen cadres before they started the cleaning process. The LTTE built cemetries, also known as Thuyilum Illams, across Tamil Eelam to house the bodies of their fallen fighters. Following the end of the armed conflict, the Sri Lankan army bulldozed over the cemetries and in some areas, built army bases over them. 

Maaveerar Naal - or Great Heroes Day - remembers those who sacrificed their lives in the Tamil liberation struggle, and is marked on November 27, in memory of the first death of a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam cadre, Lt Col. Shankar who died in combat on November 27, 1982. 

Every year, Tamils gather at Thuyilum Illams across the North-East on Maaveerar Naal to commemorate the tens of thousands of Tamils who sacrificed their lives for the right to self-determination. 

In a concerning development, the Sangupiddy Bridge—a crucial transportation link connecting the Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna districts along the A-32 road—faces significant safety risks.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 1,037 million and opened in January 2011, the bridge has been vital for Eelam Tamil transportation and trade. However, the Road Development Authority (RDA) recently announced restrictions on heavy vehicles crossing the bridge due to severe corrosion in the deck plates, calling into question the bridge's ability to handle current traffic levels safely.

According to the  Sunday Times, the RDA's northern office informed the Senior Superintendent of Police in Kilinochchi on Friday that heavy vehicles are now prohibited from using the bridge, citing urgent public safety concerns. T. Niththiyanantham, a regional RDA engineer, stated that these measures are essential to prevent further deterioration until necessary repairs can be carried out.

This decision has sparked frustration among local residents and frequent bridge users, who see it as yet another sign of neglect in the region’s infrastructure.

A fisherman from Mannar who regularly transports fish to Colombo for export expressed his anger, saying, “I’m sure someone would’ve pocketed some money from this. We don’t know how long it will take them to repair this bridge.” This sentiment reflects widespread anger at the neglect of the Tamil homeland by Sri Lankan authorities, particularly as the road leading to the bridge is also in a state of disrepair, marred by dangerous potholes that add to travel hazards.

The Sangupiddy Bridge serves as a vital artery, significantly reducing travel time and distance between Colombo and Jaffna by cutting 120 kilometres from the route compared to the longer A-9 Jaffna-Kandy Highway, thereby saving travellers approximately three hours.

This situation underscores broader issues of infrastructure neglect in the North-East, where discrimination, corruption, mismanagement and insufficient maintenance have plagued public projects for years.

Despite repeated promises by successive governments to fund the region's development since the 2009 genocide infrastructure in the Tamil homeland remains underfunded and in disrepair. Many Tamils argue that the government’s long-standing exclusion of the region from meaningful development is part of a systematic neglect that continues to hinder progress in the North-East.

Former Sri Lankan president and credibly accused war criminal Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has refused to travel to Jaffna to testify in the case concerning the enforced disappearances of political activists Lalith Kumar and Kugan Murugananthan.

Both activists, members of the Frontline Socialist Party, went missing on December 9, 2011, in Jaffna while Rajapaksa served as the Defence Secretary.

But Rajapaksa has refused to appear before the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court, citing security concerns. His lawyer reportedly informed the Sri Lankan Supreme Court that he is prepared to present evidence in any other court in Sri Lanka, but not the court in the Northern Tamil homeland.

Any appearance would mark the first instance of Rajapaksa in a case linked to enforced disappearances during his tenure. Initially, the Jaffna Magistrate's Court had summoned him, but Rajapaksa successfully appealed, and the Court of Appeal dismissed the summons. In today's Supreme Court hearing, Rajapaksa's legal team presented their case. The next Supreme Court session is scheduled for March 18, with Rajapaksa expected to testify before that date.

According to reports, Lalith and Kugan disappeared on December 9, 2011, while organizing a press conference for the People's Struggle Movement. This event was scheduled for the next day, coinciding with International Human Rights Day. The two activists were last seen by relatives leaving Kugan Muruganandan’s house in Avarangal, Jaffna, at 5 p.m. on the day of their disappearance.

Rajapaksa oversaw the massacre of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians during the Mullivaikkal genocide and is seen as one of the architects of the massacres. Despite his crimes, he was elected as Sri Lanka’s president, mostly through the Southern Sinhala polity, in 2019 before being forced out of office by protests in 2022.

He has never been held accountable for the atrocities committed.

The US Embassy, Russian Embassy, British High Commission and Australian High Commission in Colombo have cautioned its personnel and warned its citizens from travelling to Arugam Bay in the East, stating there is "credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area." 

The US Embassy, Russian Embassy, British High Commission and Australian High Commission in Colombo have cautioned its personnel and warned its citizens from travelling to Arugam Bay in the East, stating there is "credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area." 

"Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy imposed a travel restriction on Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice. U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice,"  the notice posted on the US embassy website read.

The US urged its citizens to report all suspicious activities and emergencies to local authorities, to have some form of communication with them, and to monitor local news and media for updates. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka police also issued a notice to all citizens assuring them that precautions were being taken to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. 

The British High Commission has also mentioned the alert issued by the American Embassy on their website while the Australian High Commission has also mentioned the same. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's police spokesperson DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that special security plans were being implemented given the warnings that have been issued.

"There is a particular spot that is frequented by Israelis," said Thalduwa.

"It has been identified that they frequent Arugam Bay and Pottuvil for the purpose of surfing. During the last few days, there has been some intelligence that these individuals could be in some danger. The police officer in charge of the division has already initiated plans. There have been roadblocks placed and inspections conducted, including the inspection of vehicles. From today, we have stepped up security, with the Air Force, Navy, and Army involved, along with the intelligence agency." 

The police also stated that the plans were being implemented with assistance from the State Intelligence Services (SIS) on the instructions of the Ministry of Defence and Public Security. 

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya is set to issue directives to all police stations in the area. Tourists have been asked to reach the police on the 1997 hotline in case of any emergency.

This is the first time in many months that the US Embassy has issued an alert on Sri Lanka. In the recent past, their alerts were limited to demonstrations while others were election-related. 

Tamil asylum seekers stranded on Diego Garcia have been excluded from a new agreement between the UK and St Helena governments to transfer asylum seekers arriving at the Chagos Islands to St Helena.

The St Helena government announced that from October 16, any asylum seerkers arriving on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) from this date will be moved to St Helena. 

The development deals a new blow to Tamil asylum seekers who have been stranded on the island since 2021. The news comes just weeks after the UK government agreed to offer Tamil asylum seekers who have been stranded on Diego Garcia a temporary move to Romania.  After six months of stay in Romania, the Tamil asylum seekers could potentially be transferred over to the UK, a request that they have made for years. 

There are currently 56 Tamils still on Diego Garcia, a remote island in the Indian Ocean that hosts a large US-UK military base. Four of the asylum seekers are currently in Rwanda for medical treatment.

The situation in Diego Garcia has become increasingly dire, with the asylum seekers enduring deteriorating living conditions, mental health crises, and allegations of abuse. 

The group of Tamils fled in October 2021, attempting to reach Canada to claim asylum before their boat came into trouble near Diego Garcia. The UN refugee agency UNHCR had released a damning report finding violence, abuse and arbitrary detention of the migrants in Diego Garcia. Allegations of sexual abuse against women and children were also presented to the UN inspectors. The UN report called for "immediate relocation" due to concerns of safety. Many of them are Tamil, fleeing persecution by Sri Lankan authorities, including allegations of torture and sexual abuse.

The decision to transfer asylum seekers comes after the UK handed control over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius earlier this month. While Chagossians will be allowed to return to the smaller Chagos islands, they will not be permitted to return to Diego Garcia where the US military base will continue to operate for another 99 years. 

Although Tamil asylum seekers on Diego Garcia expressed relief following the decision to temporarily transfer them to Romania  their fate remains unclear.

Tamils protested outside the Tissa Raja Vihara, a Buddhist temple which was illegally constructed and encroaches on the lands owned by local residents in Thaiyiddy, Jaffna. 

Every Poya (full moon) day, Tamils gather at the site to protest the Buddhist temple which was illegally constructed on land that is occupied by the Sri Lankan army. 

Although the protests began last year, no action has been taken by the Sri Lankan government. Since the protests began, the Sri Lankan police erected barricades around the Buddhist structure to prevent the public from entering the area.

However, many residents have joined the protest in solidarity despite the continued intimidation by the police and military personnel.

The North-East has been subject to Sinhalisation for decades but in recent years, Sri Lanka has ramped up its efforts to appropriate non-Buddhist places of worship and lands.

P. Ariyanenthiran, who contested Sri Lanka's recent presidential elections as the Tamil 'common candidate' has been summoned by Sri Lanka's Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), alongside supporters of his campaign, for interrogation by the authorities.

Rajkumar Rajeevkanth, a member of the People’s Struggle Alliance, speaking at a rally in Colombo, condemned the Sri Lankan government's continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against Tamil political figures including Ariyanenthiran. According to Rajeevkanth, the latest investigation focuses on the sources of Ariyanenthiran's campaign financing, including questions about how and from where the funds were received. Rajeevkanth pointed out the irony in these actions, noting that other political campaigns, even that of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, would have also received funding from a variety of sources including overseas without similar scrutiny.

"The Anura Kumara Dissanayake government had promised to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act," Rajeevkanth said. "However, just weeks after coming to power, the government has sent letters from the TID to Ariyanenthiran over election financing."

Rajeevkanth said that another individual who assisted with the campaign in Kilinochchi had received a similar query by phone, which he said signalled a form of intimidation. He highlighted that Tamil politicians and activists are frequently targeted under the PTA, creating a climate of fear and an attempt to silence dissent against the current government. The PTA, he stressed, has long been used as a tool of repression against Tamils. 

"The government is using the PTA to suppress Tamil voices under the guise of anti-terrorism investigations," Rajeevkanth said, calling on the administration to justify its continued repression of Eelam Tamil voices through the use of the PTA. 

Recently Human Rights Watch also echoed similar sentiments, stating that the continued to use the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to "target perceived opponents and minority communities without credible evidence" despite repeated promises to repeal the legislation and a moratorium on its use. 

The PTA allows Sri Lankan authorities to detain individuals without charge and denies due process rights. The draconian legislation has been used for decades against Tamils and Muslims.

“Sri Lanka’s extensive domestic security apparatus routinely uses baseless accusations of terrorism to target innocent people, silencing critics and stigmatizing minority communities,” HRW's deputy Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly said. 

The rights group also noted that the draft bill is "designed to give the president, police, and military broad powers to detain people without evidence, to make vaguely defined forms of speech a criminal offence, and to arbitrarily ban gatherings and organizations without meaningful judicial oversight."

Jaffna’s own 29-year-old Satkunarasa Pushanthan achieved an outstanding feat at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship 2024, winning an overall silver medal at the international competition.

Pushanthan had a total lift of 827.5 kg, smashing three national records to solidify his place as one of the island's top powerlifters.

In addition to the overall silver, Pushanthan secured several other individual medals across the three powerlifting disciplines:

• Squat: Bronze medal, lifting 325 kg  Bench Press: Silver medal, lifting 192.5 kg  Deadlift: Gold medal, lifting 310 kg 

His total lift, bench press and deadlift are new national records.

Pushanthan’s victory not only highlights his exceptional strength and dedication but also reflects his journey from humble beginnings in Jaffna to becoming a notable athlete. In a previous interview with The Morning, Pushanthan reflected on his path to powerlifting, which began when he joined a gym at the age of 17, initially just to lose weight. His coach quickly identified his potential, and Pushanthan has since carved out a remarkable career in powerlifting.

However, the road to success has not been easy. Pushanthan spoke candidly about the lack of sports infrastructure in Jaffna and the financial challenges he faces in pursuing his passion. "Sports facilities in Jaffna are minimal," he explained. "I have to travel to Colombo twice a month to train with the international standard equipment at High Octane Fitness. It's a costly endeavour, but I am determined to continue."

"In Jaffna, sports don't get the due respect or recognition. There is little to no financial support. It is very sad to see this state in my hometown."

Pushanthan’s commitment to the sport led him to leave his job of six years to focus on international competitions. His family, friends, and local community have however rallied behind him.

Karunanidhi Yasodini, a former LTTE combatant, officially launched her campaign in Mannar as a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka. Representing the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) in the Vavuniya electoral district, Yasodini is contesting under the conch symbol and has garnered significant support from fellow former combatants.

Her campaign began with a series of public meeting including Mannar Nagar Bazaar, Shanthipuram Besalai, and Nanatan. Numerous former LTTE members and local supporters participated in the meetings, showing solidarity for Yasodini's candidacy. The Mannar District Association and the Nalampuri Association were also in attendance at these gatherings.

In a parallel campaign meeting held in Vannivilangulam, Mullaitivu district, where several figures from the former LTTE cadres community spoke in support of Yasodini. The former cadres Welfare Association, led the event with several of their members addressing the need for them to make their parliamentary bid in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans will be going to the polls less than three months after electing their President to vote for their parliament. 

Meanwhile, an independent group of former cadres and differently-abled individuals, contesting under the symbol of a lantern, voiced their concerns about the neglect they face from mainstream politicians. During a media briefing in Vavuniya this week, they highlighted the struggles of disabled former cadres, many of whom live in poverty and face numerous daily challenges. "None of these politicians see us as more than pawns for their business interests," said one spokesperson. The group emphasized that their decision to contest the election stems from a desire to address their own needs, as they believe they are better positioned to understand the struggles of those directly affected by the war.

Mullaitivu Press Club has called for a 'judicially empowered probe' with the participation of international media watchdogs and legal experts to investigate the killings and disappearances of journalists in Sri Lanka. 

In a statement marking the 24th anniversary of the assassination of Tamil journalist Mylvaganam Nimalarajan, the press club highlighted the continued harassment, intimidation, and surveillance faced by journalists, particularly Tamil journalists, on the island.

According to Together Against Genocide, from 2004 to 2009, over 48 journalists and media workers were reported killed, 41 of whom were Tamil. 

Mullaitivu Press Club stated hat the lack of accountability for the killings and disappearances allows for a culture of impunity "that allows perpetrators to act without the fear of consequence". 

Earlier this month, the newly formed Sri Lankan government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, announced the reopening of investigations into seven high-profile cases, including the murder of high profile Tamil journalist Dharmeratnam 'Taraki' Sivaram.  

Although the case has been re-opened, the press club noted that "tangible progress is still absent". 

"While justice for 'Taraki' Sivaram is long overdue, the new administration is yet to clarify the justification for not investigating the killings and disappearances of at least 44 ther journalists, the overwhelming majority of whom are Tamils,"  Mullaitivu Press Club added. 

The press club emphasised that merely re-opening an investigation into the murder of one journalist does not guarantee media freedom. Instead, they called for the current system that "enables violence and fear to persist unhindered"  to be dismantled.

See the full statement below: 

S. Nilanthan, a Batticaloa-based Tamil journalist, was arrested for his reporting on alleged corruption involving a local Sri Lankan government official in 2020 earlier today.

Nilanthan, who is also a correspondent for the Tamil Guardian, was later released on bail by the Eravur Magistrate but has been ordered to appear in court at the next hearing.

His arrest comes after he reported on corruption allegations against the Chenkalady Divisional Secretary (DS) and covered protests staged by local residents outside the Divisional Secretariat. This latest development is seen as an extension of a trend of targeting Tamil journalists on the island.

In 2020, Nilanthan had written extensively for Tamil-language news platforms on allegations of corruption linked to the Chenkalady DS. He also reported on protests organized by the local community against the DS, demanding accountability. Following his reporting, the journalist alleges that the DS used his influence to intimidate him by having Sri Lankan police officers visit his home at night in plain clothes, threatening him with arrest.

Nilanthan lodged a formal complaint the following day but the Sri Lankan police denied any knowledge of such a visit. A separate complaint was also filed with the local Human Rights Commission (HRCSL), raising concerns about the conduct of the police. Despite this, the harassment continued, and earlier this week police from the Eravur station once again visited Nilanthan's home. 

On his most recent arrest, according to Nilanthan, he was taken from his home at around 3 p.m. by officers from the occupying Eravur police station and held in appalling conditions. After spending the night in a severely overcrowded detention cell designed for four people but housing more than seven, Nilanthan described the unsanitary environment as "unfit for human use." The cell's urinal and defecation area were inside the enclosure, lacking proper shelter, and there was no water available for sanitation. Nilanthan recounted, detailing how he was treated “like a murderer” from the moment of his arrest until he was brought before the magistrate.

The court proceedings were brief, and Nilanthan was released on bail, but the trial has been scheduled for January 20, 2025. He faces charges that he sees as an attempt to criminalize his work as a journalist.  He added that the harassment he has endured has taken a severe emotional toll on him and his family, with his children and wife urging him to step back from his journalism career out of fear for their safety.

Nilanthan's case highlights a broader issue of press freedom for Tamil journalists reporting from the North-East. Tamil journalists have long been targets for harassment and threats, by Sri Lanka's security forces and government officials.

Despite the steady flow of buses along the A9 highway, a critical artery connecting the North-East of Sri Lanka with the rest of the country, Tamil schoolchildren from several villages are being denied rides by both private and government-run buses. Frustrated by what they say is systemic racism and neglect, families and parents have in the past taken to blocking the road in protest, accusing the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private bus owners of discriminatory practices.

The students, hailing from Banikankulam, Kivavankulam, and Thirumurikandi in the Mullaitivu District, are all enrolled at Mankulam Maha Vidyalaya, a key school under the Tunukai Education Zone. Despite the frequent buses on the A9 route, which connects Jaffna in the north to the rest of the country, these students often find themselves stranded, unable to get to school on time.

This is not the first time the issue has come to light. Villagers have lodged multiple complaints with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, but despite an investigation and promises of action, the situation remains unchanged. The children now face the same problem of being ignored by most bus drivers, both private and public.

In the face of continued neglect, villagers have warned of a wave of protests if the issue is not rectified by the new northern provincial governor. A handful of drivers, both from private companies and the SLTB, do pick up the students, but most do not. The inconsistent and unfair treatment has forced the students to rely on alternative, often more costly and time-consuming, means of transportation, impacting their ability to arrive at school on time. 

This issue is not isolated to just one area. Tamil students from other towns and villages along the A9, including Mukhamalai and Mannakulam, face similar difficulties. Parents and activists have pointed fingers at the Sri Lanka Transport Board’s northern division, accusing officials of mismanagement and deliberate neglect when it comes to serving Tamil-majority areas.

Villagers have made urgent appeals to the newly appointed Northern Province Governor and the Sri Lankan President, demanding immediate intervention. Many feel that the Human Rights Commission’s efforts have been inadequate, and without swift action, they are prepared to escalate their protests.