News for 'Sri Lanka Tamils'

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

Sri Lanka fails to address sexual violence against Tamil civilians: UN

Sri Lanka fails to address sexual violence against Tamil civilians: UN

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A UN report highlights the lack of justice for Tamil civilians who experienced sexual violence during Sri Lanka's civil war, primarily by security forces.

US rights body urges Sri Lanka to prosecute war crime perpetrators

US rights body urges Sri Lanka to prosecute war crime perpetrators

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Human Rights Watch urges Sri Lanka to prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war, citing a UN report on sexual violence against Tamil civilians.

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Election Commission has ordered an investigation into allegations that foreign nationals fraudulently voted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The probe was initiated after police arrested ten foreign nationals with indelible ink on their fingers at Chennai and Madurai airports.

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and the UN

Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and the UN

Rediff.com29 Mar 2013

India's vote on the Sri Lanka resolution in Geneva may well have speeded up the general elections in the country and reduced our effectiveness as a regional power, says TP Sreenivasan

Sri Lanka: Tamil newspaper office ransacked, staff beaten

Sri Lanka: Tamil newspaper office ransacked, staff beaten

Rediff.com4 Apr 2013

The office of a Tamil newspaper was attacked and staff beaten by masked men in northern Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka rejects Trudeau's 'Tamil Genocide' comment

Sri Lanka rejects Trudeau's 'Tamil Genocide' comment

Rediff.com20 May 2023

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Trudeau's statements, asserting that they contained outrageous claims of genocide relating to past conflicts in the country.

Sri Lanka: Tamil magazine editor shot dead

Sri Lanka: Tamil magazine editor shot dead

Rediff.com20 Apr 2007

Subash Chandraboas, 32, editor of the Tamil monthly Nilam, was gunned down late Monday at his residence in Vavuniya, 260 kilometres north of Colombo, the rights group said.

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

Rediff.com4 days ago

Chennai police arrested 10 foreign nationals for allegedly casting illegal votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fraudulent documents.

Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen after Modi's appeal

Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen after Modi's appeal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Sri Lanka has released 14 Indian fishermen as a special gesture, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for resolving the issue with a "humane approach." The fishermen issue figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday. The fishermen issue is a contentious matter in India-Sri Lanka ties, with several alleged incidents of Sri Lankan Navy personnel using force against Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait. Modi stressed the need for a humane approach and the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.

Who Will Win Sri Lanka's Presidential Poll?

Who Will Win Sri Lanka's Presidential Poll?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'The Indian government is better prepared this time and has reached out to all contenders and not putting all eggs in one basket.'

Sri Lanka: Tamil scribe gets 20 years in jail

Sri Lanka: Tamil scribe gets 20 years in jail

Rediff.com31 Aug 2009

A prominent Tamil reporter, whose detention in Sri Lanka was described by US President Barack Obama as an "emblematic example" of threats to media freedom, was today sentenced to 20 years in prison for having links with the LTTE and for writing against the government.

J'khand boy, 7, sets record, crosses 29-km Palk Strait in under 10 hrs

J'khand boy, 7, sets record, crosses 29-km Palk Strait in under 10 hrs

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Seven-year-old Ishank Singh has become the youngest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, completing the 29-km stretch in 9 hours and 50 minutes after months of rigorous training.

Sri Lanka: India's CHOGM dilemma

Sri Lanka: India's CHOGM dilemma

Rediff.com25 Oct 2013

If Indian PM boycotts the CHOGM, it is likely to add to Sri Lanka's bitterness. This would not help India's desire to add more depth and content to its relations with Sri Lanka but its ability to influence Sri Lanka's decision making process on the both strategic issues and on Tamil minority issues, says Colonel (retd) R Hariharan.

India played key role in polls in Sri Lanka's Tamil areas: CM

India played key role in polls in Sri Lanka's Tamil areas: CM

Rediff.com8 Oct 2013

India played an instrumental role in ensuring the holding of polls in Sri Lanka's Tamil-dominated Northern Province and it must now assist in rebuilding the war-ravaged region, newly elected Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran said on Tuesday

After Decades IPKF Set For Overdue Official Honour

After Decades IPKF Set For Overdue Official Honour

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Why are IPKF martyrs not being officially recognised and appropriately honoured? And is the government really changing its mind on this now?', asks Aditi Phadnis.

India likely to rest Bumrah for key Afghanistan series

India likely to rest Bumrah for key Afghanistan series

Rediff.com3 days ago

Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming series against Afghanistan is under consideration as the selection committee assesses his workload.

Tamils protest against Sri Lanka team

Tamils protest against Sri Lanka team

Rediff.com8 Jun 2009

A group of around 70 pro-Tamil supporters on Monday protested against the Sri Lanka cricket team and tried to prevent them from entering the Trent Bridge stadium. The Sri Lankan team, which is playing Australia in the group match of the ICC World Twenty20, was delayed as the protestors, who shouted slogans like 'Ban Sri Lanka from International Cricket' tried to block their way as they entered the stadium.

Marxist leader Anura Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential vote

Marxist leader Anura Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential vote

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna's (JVP) broader front National People's Power (NPP), on Sunday consolidated his lead in the Sri Lanka's presidential election.

T20 World Cup: Long Live Cricket, Long Live India-Pakistan Games

T20 World Cup: Long Live Cricket, Long Live India-Pakistan Games

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

In Sri Lanka, an India-Pakistan game becomes more than cricket. There will be only one silent wish: May cricket live long.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Tamil outfits oppose Rajinikanth's visit to Sri Lanka

Tamil outfits oppose Rajinikanth's visit to Sri Lanka

Rediff.com24 Mar 2017

Superstar Rajinikanth's visit to Sri Lanka next month to inaugurate a housing scheme has met with opposition from pro-Tamil outfits in Chennai, who cautioned him from getting "involved" in the emotive ethnic issue.

UNHRC votes against Sri Lanka's rights record, India abstains

UNHRC votes against Sri Lanka's rights record, India abstains

Rediff.com6 Oct 2022

India on Thursday abstained on a draft resolution in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka which was adopted.

Tamil woman activist released in Sri Lanka

Tamil woman activist released in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com10 Mar 2015

50-year-old Balendra Jeyakumari's release came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country.

End Tamil refugees' suffering, Sri Lanka told

End Tamil refugees' suffering, Sri Lanka told

Rediff.com20 May 2009

A bi-partisan group of some of the most influential US Senators has called on the Sri Lankan government to expeditiously alleviate the suffering of thousands of Tamil refugees and return them to their homes by the end of the year.

Sri Lanka forms committee for repatriation of Tamil refugees from India

Sri Lanka forms committee for repatriation of Tamil refugees from India

Rediff.com5 Sep 2022

The Sri Lanka deputy high commissioner's office in Chennai is coordinating the efforts, it added.

India asks Sri Lanka to ensure Tamils' safety

India asks Sri Lanka to ensure Tamils' safety

Rediff.com28 Jan 2009

As India's fears mounted for Tamil civilians trapped in the war zone in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday night sought an assurance from President Mahinda Rajapakse that the innocents are safe and humanitarian situation will be taken into consideration.

Sri Lanka: Moving forward

Sri Lanka: Moving forward

Rediff.com25 Mar 2012

If Sri Lanka continues to follow the path of evasion and tries to impose a dictated solution on the Tamils, India has to act tough, says B Raman

Tamil teacher among 106 arrested for Sri Lanka blasts

Tamil teacher among 106 arrested for Sri Lanka blasts

Rediff.com28 Apr 2019

President Maithripala Sirisena said Friday that over 130 suspects linked to the Islamic State terror group have been operating in the country.

India's Dilemma in Sri Lanka

India's Dilemma in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com21 Sep 2020

Both Mahinda Rajapaksa and Modi have learnt from their past mistakes. Modi has understood that Rajapaksa is a 'forever politician' that India has to live with, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka after causing widespread destruction and over 120 deaths, heading towards the Indian coast. Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue.

Myths About Chinese Ship in Sri Lanka

Myths About Chinese Ship in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

The Yuan Wang 5 can easily monitor the Indian coast while operating in international waters. She does not have to enter a port in Sri Lanka to fulfill this mission, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu: Trampling each other's toes

Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu: Trampling each other's toes

Rediff.com10 Jul 2012

If the two Dravidian parties up the rhetoric it increases the risk of Tamil Nadu becoming a safe haven for Tamil extremism with serious implications for national security. As these developments affect Sri Lanka's internal security, it would kindle legitimate concerns in Colombo, says Colonel (retd) R Hariharan.

Govt calls all-party meet on Sri Lanka as Tamil parties seek intervention

Govt calls all-party meet on Sri Lanka as Tamil parties seek intervention

Rediff.com17 Jul 2022

During a meeting of parties convened on Sunday ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Tamil Nadu-based Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam demanded India intervene in the neighbouring country which is facing a debilitating economic crisis.

Devolution of Tamils not out of radar: Sri Lanka

Devolution of Tamils not out of radar: Sri Lanka

Rediff.com26 Nov 2010

Sri Lanka on Friday assured India that a devolution package for the minority Tamil community in the country was not out of its radar as it discussed with India the key issue of resettlement of internally displaced people in the post Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam -era.

Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu: A messy situation

Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu: A messy situation

Rediff.com5 Sep 2012

If the political parties in Tamil Nadu do not conduct themselves with a sense of balance and responsibility and indulge in competitive exploitation of the discontent in certain sections of the population over Sri Lanka-related issues, they may end up by creating passions beyond control in both countries, notes B Raman.

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed India's expectation to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Colombo will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and conduct provincial council elections. The issue was discussed during wide-ranging talks between Modi and Dissanayake. Modi also met with Tamil leaders from Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting the community's well-being. The Tamil community has been advocating for the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which provides for devolution of power. Modi expressed hope that Sri Lanka will fully implement its constitution and conduct provincial council elections.

A soldier returns to Sri Lanka

A soldier returns to Sri Lanka

Rediff.com11 Apr 2018

'As I went around Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Mannar, my mind went back to my visit in January 1990 at the fag end of the IPKFs mission in Sri Lanka,' says Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Democracy needs to return in Sri Lanka: Jayasuriya

Democracy needs to return in Sri Lanka: Jayasuriya

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

Sanath Jayasuriya is both 'angry' and 'sad' to witness his beloved Sri Lanka grapple with enormous financial crisis and civil unrest but the former cricketer is expecting that democracy will soon be restored in the island nation.