tamilweek.com

Tamil National Alliance Faces Acute Political Crisis

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The Tamil National Alliance(TNA)regarded as the premier political formation of the Tamils of Sri Lanka has been very much in the news lately due to what could be termed as an internal crisis.

The TNA that has in recent times been contesting elections under the house symbol of the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK)is afflicted by internal dissension among its constituent members.

Of the five organizations in the political configuration known as the TNA , four have been at loggerheads with one party over what is projected as a crucial issue.

Four parties namely the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization(TELO),Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front(EPRLF),Tamil United Liberation Front(TULF) and Peoples Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam(PLOTE)want the loose formation known as the TNA to be officially registered at the Elections Commissioners Department as a single political party with a unified administrative structure.

The chief constituent of the TNA which is the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi(ITAK)has not been too enthusiastic about the idea, displaying marked reluctance to help implement the proposal while not dismissing it entirely. This has paved the way for some of the other TNA constituents to accuse the ITAK as being opposed to Tamil political unity and even orchestrate a media campaign against it.

BBC Documentary on the eve of 4th Anniversary of Sri Lanka post war: “Open Wounds”

New BBC Documentary “Open Wounds” – First Aired in the UK on May 5, posted on BBC Sinhala site, however Documentary is in English and its about 30 minutes:

It is four years since Sri Lankan government troops crushed the Tamil Tiger separatist militants, ending the civil war. But 30 years of violence has left a bleak legacy.

Politically motivated ‘disappearances’ continue along with suppression of critical voices. The BBC’s correspondent in Sri Lanka, Charles Haviland, reports for Our World on the lasting trauma for victims of the war who feel their voices are not being heard.

Charles asks whether Sri Lanka can have the bright future its leaders promise if it does not address the darker aspects of the country’s recent past, and its present.

TNA Mounts Legal Challenge for 1474 People of Valigamam North Against State Attempt to Acquire Their Lands Unlawfully

(Full Text of Press Statement Issued by the Tamil National Alliance media office)

15th May 2013: Around 1474 persons owning land in Jaffna filed a writ application today in the Court of Appeal challenging the attempts to illegally and unlawfully acquire their private land. A further 2000 petitioners are to file on the same issue in the near future.

Legal Action at Appeal Court on Behalf of 1474 Land Owners in Valigamam North Against Land Grab by State

(Full list of Petitioners and full text of petition filed at Court of Appeal reproduced below)

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA

In the matter of an application under Article 140 of the Constitution for Mandates in the nature of Writs of Certiorari and Prohibition CA (Writ) Application No: 125/2013

5000 Families in North are About to Begin Legal Battle for Their Land Rights in Vali North Pradeshiya Sabha

by Meera Srinivasan

The country’s 30-year ethnic conflict may have ended four years ago, but for Gunaratnam Selvi — who remained displaced for considerable part of the war — the daily battle for food is far from over.

Azath Salley Denies Apologizing to President for his Release and Asks “Why Should I”?

Former Colombo deputy mayor and founder leader of the National Unity front Azath Salley who was released after 8 days of “arrest” under the Prevention of Terrorism Act has denied that he had apologized to President Rajapaksa to secure his freedom as alleged in some sections of the state media. Salley in an interview to the “Ceylon Today”newspaper queried as to why he should apologize to the President and stated that all what he conveyed to the president was included in the affidavit he had submitted.

Rajapaksas are Bad for the Minorities, Worse for the Sinhalese and Worst for the Sinhala Buddhists

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

Had Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga removed Presidential term-limits, Mahinda Rajapaksa would not have become the President. If the Rajapaksa dynasty takes root, every non-Rajapaksa SLFP leader will be condemned to a life of servitude.

Two in One: When I was just a little girl I asked my mother, what will I be

A Mother’s Day Celebration:

“Your Thoughts are your Dreams~Joyous is your Future” ~ Pattukoattai Kalyanasundaram

Two songs, one melody by Doris Day in ‘The Man who knew too much’ (1956) by Alfred Hitchcock and in the Lyrics of Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram in Aaravalli (1957):

Feeling of defeat Among the Tamils of Sri Lanka is a moral and Psychological Defeat

by Aatish Taseer

FOUR years ago this week, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam announced that their struggle for an independent homeland in northern Sri Lanka had “reached its bitter end.” The group had been fighting on behalf of the Tamil people for more than a quarter-century, and its defeat was absolute.

“We wish Azath Salley will soon Join the Struggle at the Point where he left”-NSSP

(Text of Statement Issued on behalf of the Nava Sama Samaja party by Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne)

Azath Sally was arrested under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and he has been now released due to the campaign for his release by national and international democratic forces.

President Rajapaksa Revokes Detention Order on Azath Salley After He Submits Affidavit Stating he Had Nothing to do With Terrorism

By Aisha Nazim

Former Deputy Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), Azath Salley, was released yesterday afternoon, ending his eight-day detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

President Mahinda Rajapaksa revoked the controversial detention order under which the Muslim politician was held after Salley submitted an affidavit to the President in which he denied having supported or advocated any group to take up arms against the country.

Militarization as a way of life: an ‘Orwellian’ note from Kilinochchi

By The Social Architects

Even though the protracted internal armed conflict has ended, community members have been unable to return to their day-to-day lives. Under the administration of Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s militarization has continued unabated.

The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has established numerous checkpoints and camps near peoples’ homes. Military personnel frequently patrol these areas – day and night. Sadly, the military’s intrusion into practically all aspects of civilian affairs remains a way of life in the conflict-affected North and East.

TNA MP Sumanthiran Says Eviction of Muslims From North was Nothing But Ethnic Cleansing

Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran has stated that the expulsion of Muslims from North was an act of ethnic cleansing.Eviction of Muslim community from North within 24 hours was nothing but ethnic cleansing he said. Audio of Speech in Full ~ in Tamil

TNA MP Sumanthiran Will Support in Courts the Habeas Corpus Writ Filed by Azath Salley’s Wife

A writ of habeas corpus regarding former Colombo deputy mayor and leader of the National Unity Front Azath Salley was filed in the Court of Appeal on Tuesday May 7th.

The writ was filed on behalf of Mr. Salley’s wife Mrs. F. Rizona M. Salley by senior Attorney at law Ms. Gowrishankari Thavarajah. Tamil National alliance parliamentarian and senior lawyer M. A. Sumanthiran will be supporting the habeas corpus write when taken up by the Appeal court.

Azath Salley In Critical Condition Hospitalised Again and Given Insulin and Saline

by D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Former Colombo Deputy Mayor and founder leader of the National Unity Front Azath Salley has been admitted again on Monday May 6th to the Colombo National Hospital after losing consciousness in Police custody

Azath Salley was Arrested Because He Made Critical Remarks About Shiranthi Rajapaksa on TNL

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Former Colombo Deputy Mayor and Founder Leader of the National Unity Front Azath Salley is currently held at the Police CID Fourth floor headquarters in Fort on a detention order for 90 days issued under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

When Azath Salley was arrested on Thursday May 2nd the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle was reported by the State controlled “Daily News” newspaper as saying that he was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department following several complaints received by the CID regarding conduct which could damage ethnic harmony, and harm national unity

Victims of Sri Lankan Govt Development Policies are not only the People of the North and East but also People of the South

By M.A.Sumanthiran M.P.

The opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International airport in Sri Lanka has been hailed by representatives of the Sri Lankan government as a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s economic development.

In keeping with the priority the government clearly seems to be placing in the last few years, on large scale development projects, environmental and even economic concerns about the airport have been summarily dismissed by the unwavering government claim that the Mattala airport opens a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s economic development.

Canada Urges Immediate Release of Azad Sally

“Canada condemns the arrest of Azad Sally, leader of Sri Lanka’s newly formed Muslim Tamil National Alliance. Mr. Sally was reportedly taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities on May 2.

Azath Salley on a 30 Hour Hunger Protest Hospitalised After Collapsing During Police Interrogation at 4th Floor

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Former Colombo Deputy Mayor and Founder leader of the National United Front(NUF) Azath Salley has been hospitalised by the Police after he collapsed during interrogation at the Police CID headquarters 4th floor. He was taken to the hospital at about 5 pm on Friday May 3rd and is now receiving treatment under heavy Police guard at ward 55 of Colombo National hospital.

Govt Drafting New Constitutional Amendment to Reduce Office Terms of President and Chief Justice and Dilute Provincial Council Powers

by D.B.S.Jeyaraj

The United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to reduce the terms of office of the Executive President and Chief Justice as well as restricting the powers of Provincial Councils.

Police ‘Arrest’ Former Colombo Deputy Mayor Azath Salley For Interrogation About Allegedly Promoting Terrorism

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Former Deputy mayor of Colombo and founder leader of the National United Front (NUF) Azath Salley was taken into custody by the Police in the morning of Thursday May 2nd 2013.

The outspoken Muslim politician was taken away from the residence of a relative in Kolonnawa by a team of Police personnel comprising the Criminal Investigation Dept and Terrorism Investigation dept. Salley had been keeping away from his own house and staying elsewhere to avoid being arrested.

Azad Sally arrest indicative of the climate of fear for Sri Lanka critics

by Amnesty International

A prominent Muslim politician and government critic arrested today in Sri Lanka must be immediately released or charged with an internationally recognizable criminal offence, Amnesty International said.

Azad Sally, the leader of Sri Lanka’s newly formed Muslim Tamil National Alliance, was reportedly taken into custody on Thursday morning by the intelligence services for unknown reasons.

Bombing at Boston Marathon Event Evokes Memories Of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Explosions at the iconic Boston Marathon Event in the USA has sent shock waves causing the Western media to focus intensively on the global phenomenon described as terrorism. In Sri Lanka there was a feeling of Déjà vu as the Island nation had also experienced bomb blasts at a Marathon event five years ago.

6400 Acres of Private Lands Belonging to Tamil People in Valikamam North to be Acquired by Govt for Military Cantonments

By M.A.Sumanthiran M.P

Last week saw a hugely dangerous move by the government. Section 2 notices under the Land Acquisition Act were pasted on trees in Valikamam North in the Jaffna Peninsula indicating that an extent of approximately 6,400 acres of private lands belonging to several thousand Tamil people would be acquired for Military cantonments.

No Dissension Within TNA on any Matter Pertaining to the Future of the Tamil People

by Rajavarothayam Sampanthan M.P.

(Text of Introductory Speech made by Tamil National Alliance Leader and Trincomalee District MP Rajavarothayam Sampanthan at the S.J.V.Chelvanayagam memorial lecture Event held in Colombo on April 27th 2013)

Before Dealing With “Whither Sri Lankan Tamils” Let Me Start With “Whence Sri Lankan Tamils”

By Justice C.V. Wigneswaran

(Text of THANTHAI CHELVANAYAGAM MEMORIAL LECTURE on the Theme ‘WHITHER SRI LANKAN TAMILS’ Delivered on 26/04/2013 FRIDAY at NEW KATHIRESAN HALL, GALLE ROAD, BAMBALAPITIYA COLOMBO 4 to mark the 36th death anniversary of S.J.V.Chelvanayagam, Q.C)

Delivering an Oration on the topic of “Whither Sri Lankan Tamils?” today, I address a community that is in an exponentially worse situation. The precarious position in which the Tamil speaking community is placed today is highlighted by the aftermath of my recent speeches.

Bhooloka Kumari: Bharathiyaar’s praise of Womanhood

Sanjay Subrahmanyan’s Magical, fitting tribute to Mother Earth with his excellent rendering of Subramania Bharathiyar’s song “Bhooloka Kumari” (Ranjani)

Killing Fields of Chechnya: A Muslim Land Laid Waste by a Senseless War

By Latheef Farook

CHECHENYA is yet another Muslim entity destroyed and rendered a wasteland in the two senseless Russian wars to subjugate the republic. Demonising and killing Chechen Muslims were popular pastimes for Russian leaders in order to win voters.

Aung San Suu Kyi Reluctant to Take Action Affecting Majority Community During Anti-Muslim Communal Violence in Myanmar

by Col R Hariharan

Myanmar’s fledgling democracy faced yet another obstacle to its progress when anti-Muslim violence flared up in Central Myanmar town of Meiktila in March 2013. It quickly spread to six other smaller townships in Thayawady district in Bago Region in Lower Myanmar.

PB Srinivas remembered for his soft gentle evergreen melodies

Memories of Yesteryear (2): P.B. Sreenivas (1930-2013)

By Saba-Thambi

Early last week when my spouse turned from the computer to give me the sad news of the veteran play back singer P.B. Sreenivas (PBS)passing away, the news didn’t hit me at that time until 48 hours later as I was listening to PBS songs as usual

Russian Woman Raped at Tangalle by Rajapaksa Acolytes Speaks out Seeking Justice for her Murdered British Boyfriend

A woman raped at a hotel in Sri Lanka has spoken for the first time of the attack in which she was badly beaten and her British boyfriend was killed, the British Sunday Times reported today.

Book on Hindu art and Architecture in Sri Lanka to be Launched on April 25

Book on R. Namasivayam and the restoration of Tirukketisvaram

By Maheen Senanayake

The Life and Times of R Namasivayam and his contribution of the restoration of Tirukketisvaram serves perhaps to fill an unforgettable chapter in the commitment to and retention of a Hindu tradition.

War May be Over but the Idea of a Separate Tamil Nation is not Dead in Sri Lanka

By Revati Laul

(Disguised as a tourist, Revati Laul travelled through the country’s most war-ravaged districts. She spotlights a story that is rarely told)

The idea of a separate Tamil nation is not dead in Sri Lanka.

There was a time when this was espoused with brutal violence by the dreaded LTTE. That violence has been leached out now to be replaced by a kind of limitless — and perhaps more potent — despair. There are reasons why the idea of a separate Tamil nation refuses to die.

Sinhala Mob Attacks Tamils at “Thondamanpura” Housing Scheme in Ratnapura District

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

A mob consisting of around 30 Sinhala youths launched an attack on a Tamil housing colony of Plantation workers at Alupola estate of Ratnapura district in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province. At least six persons were reportedly injured in the incident when threatened Tamils resisted the aggressors by engaging in counter violence.

TNA Parliamentarians Sampanthan and Sumanthiran Exposed Muslim MPs political bankruptcy

By Latheef Farook

Political bankruptcy of Muslim parliamentarians was exposed by the Tamil National Alliance leader R Sampanthan and the TNA parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran when they raised the issue of growing disastrous hate Muslim campaign in the parliament.

Tamil Parties are not Helping Their Cause by Parroting the Demands of a Defeated Separatist Movement

By Dharisha Bastians

The prospect of elections for the Northern Provincial Council by September 2013, now a Sri Lankan Government promise cemented in a UN Human Rights Council Resolution on the country became just a little more remote last week after members of the main Tamil party and civil society activists in the North called for the setting up of an interim administration in the province overseen by India or the US until the Government comes up with a permanent political solution to address Tamil concerns.

Muslim Owned “Lucky Emporium” Textile Store in Gampola Attacked in Broad Daylight by Hoodlums

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Reports from Sri Lanka state that a Muslim Owned Textile store in the Central Province town of Gampola has been attacked in broad daylight on Tuesday April 16th 2013.

A gang of hoodlums numbering about a dozen launched an attack against the “Lucky Emporium”textile store situated on Ambagamuwa road in Gampola in the Kandy district in the afternoon of April 16th.

Matale Mass Grave Discovery Shows That Unless Culture of Impunity is Broken Atrocities of the Past Will Keep Recurring

By M.A.Sumanthiran M.P.

The discovery of the skeletal remains of what is reported to be more than a hundred people has dominated the press for some time. It is now clear that the mass graves were of victims of summary executions during the second Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurrection.

The Moronic Remarks of Tamil Ultra-Nationalists on 13th Amendment to Visiting Indian Parliamentarians

By Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka

It was doubtless in the spirit of the Sinhala-Tamil New Year that the Tamil (ultra?) nationalists presented the Sinhala hawks the gift of especially moronic remarks to the visiting Indian parliamentary delegation.

Veena Enthrallment welcoming ‘Vijaya’ New Year ~ By Rajesh Vaidhya

Happy ‘Vijaya’ New Year ~

New Year prospects for political house cleaning and economic harvesting

By Rajan Philips

The April New Year is when most Sri Lankans take a break from the dreary routines of life. Colombo looks dead on New Year’s day in April as people in large numbers retreat to their rural roots from the hurly-burly of the city. Quite different from Colombo’s hangover demeanor on January 1 following the New Year’s eve revelry.

An Eye-witness Account of How the Police Suppressed Peaceful candle light Vigil Opposite Bodu Bala Sena Headquarters

By The Puppeteer

To my right a man is hauled off by the police. He tries to resist but it’s futile as four policemen load him into a police jeep and drive off. I’m snapping away as the jeep speeds off into the distance, when a voice behind me asks, ‘what just happened?

Attack on “Uthayan”Newspaper and Other Incidents Affecting Media in the North Condemned by SAFMA

By South Asia Free Media Association

A gang of unknown persons has again violently attacked a newspaper institution in the North early this morning (Saturday, 13th April) setting fire to and severely damaging its printing press

Attacks on Democratic Rights of Tamil People are Carried outin North-East With Active Support, Sanction and Collusion of Govt

By Rajavarothayam Sampanthan M.P.

(Text of Statement made on 10th April 2013 under Standing Order 23(2) – provisoby Tamil National alliance leader and Trincomalee district MP Rajavarothayam Sampanthan in Parliament)

On Saturday, 30th March 2013, a mob of around 50 persons who came in a procession along the A9 highway carrying the national flag attacked a meeting held at the Tamil National Alliance office of Hon S Shritharan MP in Kilinochchi by throwing rocks and concrete stones. In addition to Hon S Shritharan MP, Hon S Senathirajah MP, Hon E Saravanapavan MP and Hon M A Sumanthiran MP were present there at that time.

“We Cannot be Unconcerned Spectators when Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters are Attacked or Mosques Vandalized”

By Rajavarothayam Sampanthan M.P.

I wish to make a statement on a most grave issue of national concern, relating to the safety, security and wellbeing of the Muslim people of this island. The Muslim people have been historical inhabitants of this island, and have contributed immensely to its development for many centuries.

Any Conflict Initiated by North Korea has Every Possibility of Enlarging into a Much Bigger one

by Col R Hariharan

There are both contemporary and historical reasons behind the North Korean threat to launch an offensive against South Korea and strike at U.S. bases in Guam and Hawaii. North Korea (Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea –DPRK) and South Korea have been having an uneasy relationship since the singing an armistice in 1953 after the Korean War ended in a stalemate.

Police “Powerlessness” and Mob Extremism Orchestrated Deliberately Under Rajapaksa Regime

By M.A.Sumanthiran M.P.

‘Towards a peaceful environment to live with confidence, without fear of crime and violence.’ This is the current Vision of the Sri Lanka Police, unambiguously declared on its official website.

How many of us live today with confidence and without fear?

The government’s portrayal of the Police in Sri Lanka quite deliberately runs contrary to this Vision. In this article, I wish to examine the underlying message the government communicates to the public regarding the reliability of the Police, and to emphasize the dangers inherent in this message.

Nidhanaya: Cinematic ‘Treasure’ of Lester James Peries

By D.B.S. JEYARAJ

Moviemaker Maestro Lester James Peries celebrated his Birthday yesterday. Sri Lanka’s pioneering director of authentic Sinhala cinema was born in Dehiwela on April 5th 1919.The nonagenarian auteur in a cinematic career spanning more than five decades has stamped his indelible imprint on Sinhala films and in the process elevated Sri Lankan cinema to global heights.

Anti-Muslim Leaflets Circulated Widely in Weligama as Bodhu Bala Sena Stages Rally

By D.B.S.JEYARAJ

In a bizarre move tinged with “black humour” the anti-Muslim, Bodhu Bala Sena(BBS)is planning to form its own Muslim unit within its organizational structure in the near future.

Anti-Muslim Leaflets Circulated Widely in Weligama as Bodhu Bala Sena Stages Rally

By D.B.S.JEYARAJ

Weligama in Matara District of the Southern Province has become the latest venue of anti –Muslim activity in Sri Lanka.Weligama meaning “Sandy Village”in Sinhala is situated 144 Km from and is a well-known tourist destination in the Island.Although Sinhalese are the preponderant majority in the area the population of Weligama is diverse with Muslims,Tamils,Burghers and Malays living in amity there.

Liberals Call for Boycott of Sri Lankan CHOGM

Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today on the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka:

“The situation on the ground in Sri Lanka is showing no signs of improvement, and the Rajapaksa regime’s disrespect for human rights and democracy continues unabated. No serious effort has been made by that government to reconcile with all actors in Sri Lankan society.

TNA Expresses Grave Concern Over Attack on “Uthayan”Newspaper Kilinochchi Office by Armed Assailants

(Text of a media release issued by the Tamil National Alliance)

The Tamil National Alliance expresses its grave concern over an attack today, 3rd March 2013, by armed assailants of the Kilinochchi distribution office of the Uthayan newspaper.

New Archbishop of Canterbury Most Revd Justin Welby Greeted at Investiture in Cathedral by 17 year old Evangeline Kanagasooriyam

As the Archbishop of Canterbury entered the cathedral, he was greeted by a fanfare and questioned by Evangeline Kanagasooriam, a young member of the congregation. He replied: “I am Justin, a servant of Jesus Christ.”

Did some top Tiger leaders surrender and then disappear?

via vimarsanam-vimansa.org/

Since then, the relatives have continued to search for their missing kin and now despair that they will never be found. Former LTTE international spokesman based in Paris, Lawrence Thilagar, Tiger Political Wing deputy leader Thangan (a.k.a Sudaa Master), administrative wing head Poovarangan, and Jaffna political wing leader Illamparithy were among a group of senior commanders last seen to be offering themselves in surrender in the Vanni on May 18th, never to be heard of again.

Film actors fast for Sri Lankan cause

Endorsing the Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution on Sri Lanka, the South Indian Artistes Association, the apex body of film actors in South India, on Tuesday called upon the Union government to impose economic sanctions on the island nation till the safety and rights of Tamils there was ensured.

“State Terrorists” Carrying Lion Flags Launch Stone Attack On TNA Meeting in Kilinochchi

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sri Lanka’s national flag was disgraced and disrespected in the Northern town of Kilinochchi on Saturday March 30th 2013 when a motley crew of “State Terrorists” launched a stone attack on the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) office premises while a political discussion was in progress.

The assortment of state sponsored, inebriated rowdies shouting abusive slogans and throwing stones was also carrying the sword bearing Lion flag with two stripes as it engaged in the sordid act thereby insulting Sri Lanka’s national flag.

Mob led by Buddhist Monks Attacks Muslim Owned “Fashion Bug” Clothing Establishment at Pepiliyana

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

A mob numbering hundreds led by Buddhist monks attacked the showroom cum warehouse complex of the reputed apparel firm”Fashion Bug” in the suburbs of Colombo city at about 8 pm on Thursday March 28th 2013.

Bodhu Bala Sena Wants Sri Lankan Envoy Ferial Ashraff Recalled From Singapore Immediately

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The latest target in the on going anti-Muslim campaign of the Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS)is Ms.Ferial Ashraff, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Singapore.

The BBS has demanded that Ferial Ashraff’s services be terminated immediately and that she be recalled from Singapore.

“Sheer Arrogance to Think That Because we are a Numerical Minority we don’t have a Voice or we Cannot Speak?-Sumanthiran MP

By
MA Sumanthiran M.P.

(Text of Speech made in Parliament on 21st March 2013 during debate on the Resettlement Authority Bill)

Thank you Mr. Deputy Chairman.

The Hon. Minister for External Affairs concluded with a question: ‘Is this right? Can we be happy with the way our Motherland is being treated by the United Nations system?’ I’d like to suggest that the question – more relevant question and the more serious question is not that. Is this how our Motherland should treat us, who are also citizens of this country?

Two Sri Lankan Buddhist Priests Attacked in Tamil Nadu: What Exactly Happened?

BY
D.B.S JEYARAJ

The Brahadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavoor in Tamil Nadu state is the biggest Temple in India. The temple dedicated to Lord Siva was built by the Great Chozha emperor Arulmozhivarman known as Rajaraja Chozhan in 1010. The temple was originally known as “Rajarajeswaram”. It’s splendid structure is visible testimony to the magnificent antiquity of Tamil architecture.

US Tamil Group to continue advocacy towards International Probe on Sri Lanka

The United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) appreciates the efforts made by member states of the UN Human Rights Council to bring about a follow-up resolution on promoting accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka should show tangible implementation of their promises

IN welcoming the latest resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC, The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) pointed out that it “underscores the international community’s continuing concern about the horrific atrocities committed by all sides to the Sri Lankan conflict”, in a statement released on Mar 21, 2013.

UNHRC passes resolution on Sri Lanka

During the voting of resolution L.1/REV.1, Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka on the the 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council. 21 March 2013. Photo by Jean-Marc Ferré

The Human Rights Council has passed a resolution on Sri Lanka at the 22nd Session of UNHRC.

Tamil Canadians Thank USA for Resolution on Sri Lanka

The Canadian Tamil Congress issued a statement yesterday thanking the United States for bringing a Resolution on Sri Lanka at the 22nd session of United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

San Francisco Tamil Rally Urges India to not Dilute US Resolutions on Sri Lanka

Tamils of San Francisco Bay Area held a rally on March 19th near the Consulate of India, raising awareness and issues relating to the upcoming vote at United National Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka.

Independent and Credible International Investigation is the only mechanism to ensure genuine accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka-USTPAC

Today in UN Human Rights Council Session Dr. Yaso Natkunam made the following statement on Sri Lanka on behalf Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation. She is also a member of United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister urges India to include strong amendments to back US Resolution on Sri Lanka

“As you are aware, Tamils in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora spread across the world are legitimately outraged and incensed over the impunity with which the Sri Lankan Government is ignoring international sentiments and binding resolutions relating to reconciliation and accountability for the war crimes and genocide committed in the closing stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka and the ongoing gross human rights abuses.

Video: US Tamil Organizations Salute & Thank Non-Violent Tamil Nadu Campaigns

Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar’s Song ~ Rendered by D.K. Pattammal and Nithyasree ~ Enniya Mudithal Venndum

Vazhvinil Semmaiyai-by Nithyasree-US Tamil Orgs Thank Tamil Nadu

Vazhvini Semmaiyai Seypaval Neeye ~ by Paaventhar Bharathithasan

Muslims in Kandy Anxious as Bohu Bala Sena Gears up for Massive Anti-Muslim Rally on Sunday March 17th

By
D.B.S.JEYARAJ

At a time when Sinhala Government ministers maintain cowardly silence about the racist Anti-Muslim campaign of the Bodhu Bala Sena(BBS), some positive,encouraging developments have occurred in the North-Western Province known as Wayamba.