Both Pakistan and India have conducted naval exercises with Sri Lanka despite ongoing concerns over the ill treatment of Tamil fishermen.

On Thursday, Pakistan concluded its visit having conducted training exercises with the Sri Lankan Navy and enabling a formal visit for members of the Sri Lankan navy to see the Pakistan Naval Ship (PNS) SAIF, which was docked in Colombo. Pakistan’s Navy reported that officials discussed matters of mutual interest signalling closer collaboration.

In the nation-state identified as Sri Lanka, police and other security forces either committed atrocities toward Tamil citizens or stood by and allowed Tamil homes and communities to be pillaged and bombed. It is outrageous that the Peel Regional Police Chief would plan for a collaboration to strengthen the Sri Lankan police force that is currently led by Deshabandu Tennakoon, who has been deemed guilty by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court of violating many constitutional rights of citizens, police officers, and journalists alike and also personally tortured many while in the custody of the police force.

Sri Lanka has slipped further down places in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, from a rank of 38 in 2018 to 34 this year.

Transparency cites that the weak scores reflect the lack of delivery by elected officials on anti-corruption agendas, together with crackdowns on civil society and attacks on freedoms of press, assembly, and association. 

Batticaloa district organiser of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), Kanapathipillai Gukakumararajah, and his son face extended remand until February 7, for attempting to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.

The Magistrate Court issued the order on January 24 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The arrests occurred when Gukakumararajah and his son were en route to the Thandiyadi Thuyilum Illam to commemorate Maaveerar Naal on November 27, 2023.

Eighteen years have passed since seven Tamil Rehabilitation Organizations (TRO) humanitarian workers were abducted by Sri Lankan government-backed paramilitaries in Batticaloa.

A Tamil political prisoner was attacked by a former Sri Lankan army officer in Welikada prison, in what has been described as shocking “act of vengeance” by a Tamil lawmaker.

 “Upon hearing of the assault, I went to prison to personally see to the welfare of the political prisoners and inquire about the assault,” Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told the Tamil Guardian.

Sri Lanka’s opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), proudly welcomed former Army Commander Daya Ratnayake to its fold, an official who oversaw military operations during the Tamil genocide and who has repeatedly denied war crimes have taken place.

The Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) in Canada hosted its Annual Dinner and Awards Night for 2023 in Toronto last month, acknowledging and honouring individuals who have shown dedication to advancing justice, peace, and human rights.

The North-East Coordination Committee has presented a set of 11 demands aimed at ensuring the permanent devolution of power to the North-East.

At Jaffna University's recent Thai Pongal festival, students from all 11 faculties, alongside their union and management, collaborated to boil 108 pots as they collectively marked a new beginning with fresh hopes and aspirations. The event was filled with spirited activities like tug-of-war and pillow fights at the main campus, while the Kailasapathy Auditorium showcased vibrant cultural performances, dance, and theatre.