News

UK PM’s Pongal greetings reflect Tamil diaspora’s massive influence over British govt.

Published

5 years ago

2021/01/17

By Sujeewa Nivunhella

In an abundant display of the massive influence the Tamil diaspora has over the British government, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wished “our fantastic British Tamil community and Tamils around the world” a very happy Thai Pongal on January 13.

Political observers said the Thai Poingal greetings by the British Prime Minister showed how powerful the Tamil diaspora was and the degree of influence they wielded over the UK government.

Johnson also shared a video message, where he said, “As you gather together with your family and friends, I believe there is so much to celebrate and to look forward to.

Showing gratitude to the Tamil community for its contribution towards the UK society, the British leader also highlighted the efforts taken by the community that range from building businesses to boost the country’s economy to treating patients in the NHS.

He also took to Twitter to say, “Your fantastic contribution makes a real difference. And it will be incredibly important – as we continue to forge ahead with our plans to make this country the greatest place on earth to live, work, raise a family”.

Further, Johnson wished happiness, joy and prosperity for the Tamil community. He thanked the “wonderful” diaspora and wished “every enjoyment of the festivities” over the coming days.

“And may your year ahead be just as overflowing with happiness, joy and prosperity as that traditional pot of sweet Pongal”, he continued.

“So, let me say an enormous ‘thank you’ to our wonderful Tamil community and wish you every enjoyment of the festivities”, the British premier added.

The festival of Pongal marks the beginning of the harvest season and the Sun God worshipped for bestowing grains.

Political observers said that it was obvious from the message and the video that the British premier was using a diaspora draft.

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News

Minimum purchasing price of Samba and Kiri Samba paddy incresed

Published

35 seconds ago

2026/01/13

Priyan

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision of the Food Policy and Security Committee to maintain the minimum purchasing price of 1 kg of Nadu paddy of prescribed standard at Rs. 120 and to increase the minimum purchasing price of 1 kg of Samba from Rs. 125 to Rs. 130 and the minimum purchasing price of Kiri Samba from Rs. 132 to Rs. 140.

News

Govt. extends ban on LTTE

Published

10 hours ago

2026/01/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

The NPP government has issued a new extraordinary gazette renewing and extending Sri Lanka’s long-standing ban on the LTTE and several Tamil diaspora organisations and individuals, continuing to designate them as “terrorists”.

The gazette, published recently, replaces a previous gazette issued in May 2025 and reaffirmed the proscription of a wide range of Tamil political and advocacy bodies operating around the world, alongside dozens of named individuals. The government alleged both the organisations and individuals listed are involved in “terrorism-related activities”.

The organisations blacklisted by the Sri Lankan government include:

• Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

• Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO)

• Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC)

• World Tamil Movement (WTM)

• Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE)

• World Tamil Relief Fund (WTRF)

• National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT)

• Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO)

While the majority of the designations mirror those contained in the May 2025 gazette, the latest document updates identification details and addresses for a number of individuals and introduces at least one additional organisation to the list. All entries have been reissued under new reference numbers for 2026, though the underlying allegations and framing remain unchanged.

Successive governemnts have maintained a sweeping proscription regime against Tamil diaspora groups and individuals. A ban can make it a criminal offence for Sri Lankan citizens to maintain contact with these organisations or their members, severely restricting political engagement and stifling links between the diaspora and the Tamil homeland.

The original mass listings were introduced in 2014 under the administration of Mahinda Rajapaksa. Despite repeated outcry, subsequent governments have continued to uphold and renew the proscription regime, even after the Rajapaksas were voted out of power.

News

Police obtain court order banning Wimal’s protest

Published

10 hours ago

2026/01/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa addresses a gathering outside the Education Ministry on Monday before launching a protest demanding the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Education Minister over the inclusion of a link to an adult content website in the Grade 06 English module. (Pic by Thushara Atapattu)

Police yesterday (12) obtained an injunction order from the Kaduwela Magistrate’s court against the protest launched by National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and former Minister Wimal Weerawansa opposite the Education Ministry, Isurupaya, at Battaramulla.

Police informed Weerawansa of the court order. In line with the court order, the police informed Weerawansa that the road near the Ministry should not be obstructed and that no sound amplification equipment be used while the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination is in progress. The examination, put off due to Cyclone Ditwah, recommenced yesterday.