The Sri Lanka government earlier this month gazetted a new "List of Designated Persons" under Regulation 4(7) of UN Regulation No. 1 of 2012, removing 69 names from the list last amended in November 20, 2015.
In March 2014, the Sri Lankan government proscribed 424 individuals and 16 Tamil diaspora organisations, alleging they had links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
In November 2015 after immense pressure from diaspora groups and the international community, the government de-proscribed 8 diaspora organisations and 269 individuals. The November 2015 gazette continued however to justify the proscription of 8 diaspora groups and 155 individuals stating:
"Despite the military defeat of the LTTE in Sri Lanka its front organizations and structures continues to remain active overseas promoting LTTE ideology of creating a mono ethnic separate state of Tamil Eelam through terrorist means. Three clear resurgence attempts within the country with assistance from pro LTTE groups operating overseas (Year 2012-2014)."
The new gazette on November 9, 2016, maintained that same justification but amended the Schedule to the November 2015 gazette de-proscribing 69 individuals. Eight Tamil diaspora organisations, including the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) and the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC) remain proscribed.
