LTTE – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk Sri Lanka's largest News aggregator Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:17:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.6 https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/favicon.png LTTE – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk 32 32 Brampton Mayor condemns arrest of Tamil hip hop artist under PTA https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/10/brampton-mayor-condemns-arrest-of-tamil-hip-hop-artist-under-pta/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:17:16 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=239847

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Canada, has raised alarm over the arrest of 24‑year‑old Tamil hip hop artist Sangeethsan Ganeskumar,Continue Reading

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Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Canada, has raised alarm over the arrest of 24‑year‑old Tamil hip hop artist Sangeethsan Ganeskumar, known as Hiphop Sangee, under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

In a post on ‘X’, the Brampton Mayor described the move as “a flagrant violation of free speech,” stressing that criminalizing an artist for expressing his identity and sharing music undermines democratic values. 

Brown noted that successive Sri Lankan governments have repeatedly pledged to repeal the PTA but continue to weaponize it to silence dissent. 

“Since the height of the Tamil genocide in 2009, Tamils still live under intense military surveillance and systemic oppression,” he said, adding that the arrest underscores the importance of remembrance projects such as the Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton. 

He called for Ganeskumar’s immediate release and joined global human rights organizations in demanding the total abolishment of the PTA.

His comments came following concerns raised by Amnesty International South Asia, which highlighted ongoing misuse of the PTA despite government promises to repeal the law.

In a post on ‘X’, Amnesty criticized the legislation’s “overly broad provisions” and incompatibility with international human rights standards. 

The organization pointed to Ganeskumar’s arrest on June 2, noting that he has been remanded until June 17 over a performance authorities claim glorified the LTTE. 

Amnesty argued that the PTA’s vague offences do not align with international law and urged Sri Lankan authorities to release him unless charged with a recognizable offence under fair trial standards. 

“Sri Lankan authorities must immediately release Sangeethan Ganeshkumar unless he is promptly charged with an internationally recognisable offence in proceedings consistent with international fair trial standards,” Amnesty said.

Amnesty also flagged due process concerns in other cases, including the detention of former State Intelligence Service Chief Suresh Salley, arrested in February in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Families and lawyers have alleged inhumane treatment in custody. 

The organization stressed that suspects must be brought to justice through strict adherence to due process and fair trial rights, while victims of the bombings deserve truth, justice, and reparations. 

Amnesty further noted that the PTA has been invoked in drug‑related cases, raising questions about its scope and application, warning that the Act enables arbitrary practices and creates conditions conducive to torture due to the absence of safeguards.

Amnesty International has called on Sri Lankan authorities to promptly investigate allegations of abuse and misuse of the PTA, ensure full due process guarantees for all detainees, impose an immediate moratorium on its use, and repeal the legislation without delay. (Newswire)

 

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Police issue clarification over LTTE song arrest and social media claims https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/05/police-issue-clarification-over-ltte-song-arrest-and-social-media-claims/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:23:47 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=239173

Sri Lanka Police have issued a clarification regarding misleading reports circulating on social media in connection with the arrest ofContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka Police have issued a clarification regarding misleading reports circulating on social media in connection with the arrest of a suspect for performing songs that promoted the banned LTTE organization.

Issuing a statement, the Police stressed that claims suggesting a blanket prohibition on musical performances at entertainment events are false and misleading. 

The clarification follows the arrest of a 24‑year‑old resident of Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, who was taken into custody on June 2 after allegedly performing LTTE‑related songs during a concert in Nawakkuli, Chavakachcheri, on May 31.

The Police said investigations by the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau revealed that the suspect had edited two songs from the event and uploaded them to his social media account in a manner glorifying the LTTE. 

They further said that the recordings were deliberately modified to include content supportive of the banned group, facilitating wider circulation online.

The suspect was produced before the Chavakachcheri Magistrate’s Court on June 3 under Section 3(G) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 48 of 1979 and was remanded until June 17.

The Sri Lanka Police reiterated that citizens are expected to act in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws, and urged the public not to be misled by false social media narratives. (Newswire)

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Kilinochchi artist arrest: Namal criticises selective use of PTA https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/04/kilinochchi-artist-arrest-namal-criticises-selective-use-of-pta/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:15:30 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=239074

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of double standards in applying the Prevention ofContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of double standards in applying the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), following the arrest of a young artist from Kilinochchi over alleged LTTE‑related content in a rap song.

Rajapaksa said the move raises “serious concerns about double standards under the current government,” noting that similar LTTE‑themed songs were used by National People’s Power (NPP) politicians during the recent local government election campaign without consequence.

“A Jaffna District NPP MP reportedly shared such songs openly on social media for political benefit. Where were the Police then? Where was the PTA then?” he asked.

While stressing that the LTTE remains a banned terrorist organization and that he does not support anyone glorifying it, Rajapaksa argued that accountability must apply equally.

“One rule for politicians and another for ordinary youth is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said in a post on X.

He warned that if the government believes such actions are unlawful, enforcement must be consistent; otherwise, the arrest will be seen as a selective abuse of power. (Newswire)

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24‑year‑old arrested for performing songs glorifying LTTE in Jaffna https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/04/24%e2%80%91year%e2%80%91old-arrested-for-performing-songs-glorifying-ltte-in-jaffna/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:59:43 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=239027

Sri Lanka Police have arrested a 24‑year‑old resident of Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, for allegedly performing songs glorifying the banned LTTE organizationContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested a 24‑year‑old resident of Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, for allegedly performing songs glorifying the banned LTTE organization during a musical event held on May 31 in Navakkuli, Chavakachcheri.

Investigations by the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau revealed that the suspect had edited four songs from the event and uploaded them to his TikTok account, portraying them as dedicated to or supportive of the LTTE.

The suspect was produced before court along with his mobile phone on charges under Section 03(g) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No. 48 of 1978. 

Following proceedings, the court ordered that he be remanded until June 17, 2026.

Further inquiries into the incident are being conducted jointly by the Jaffna Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Chavakachcheri Police Headquarters. (Newswire)

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Govt publishes amended list of terrorism-linked groups and individuals https://www.newswire.lk/2026/01/09/govt-publishes-amended-list-of-terrorism-linked-groups-and-individuals/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:06:30 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=218470

An amended list of designated persons, groups and entities has been published through an Extraordinary Gazette under the United NationsContinue Reading

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An amended list of designated persons, groups and entities has been published through an Extraordinary Gazette under the United Nations Act, No. 45 of 1968.

According to Gazette Extraordinary No. 2470/19 dated January 6, 2026, the list issued under Regulation 4(7) of the United Nations Regulations No. 1 of 2012 has been further amended by repealing the previous schedules and replacing them with revised schedules .

The Gazette states that the amended list replaces the version last updated in May 2025 and takes effect immediately upon publication.

The notification has been issued under the authority of the United Nations Act and is signed on behalf of the Government by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, in line with the powers vested under the Act .

In a related move, an order has also been issued under the United Nations Regulations to freeze all funds, financial assets and economic resources belonging to individuals and entities listed in the amended terrorism designation list, with the order signed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence in his capacity as the Competent Authority .

The amended list has been published by authority and is available for public reference via official government channels. (Newswire)

Download: 2470-19_E

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Cache of hidden war-time weapons found in Vakarai https://www.newswire.lk/2026/01/07/cache-of-hidden-war-time-weapons-found-in-vakarai/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:54:37 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=218125

A stock of weapons suspected to have been hidden by the LTTE during the war was found in the SambuContinue Reading

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A stock of weapons suspected to have been hidden by the LTTE during the war was found in the Sambu Kalapuwa area of Vakarai during a search operation.

According to the Police, a team of officers from the STF Vakarai camp carried out the search operation under an order obtained from the Valachchenai Magistrate’s Court. 

The operation was conducted by a group of STF officers, including the Regional Commanding Officer (Trincomalee).

During the search, the following weapons were recovered:

  • 38 RPG anti‑tank rounds
  • 37 RPG chargers
  • 05 SFG‑87 type live hand grenades

According to court orders, the explosives are scheduled to be safely destroyed tomorrow (08 Jan) by the STF bomb disposal unit. (Newswire)

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Exhibition & peaceful gathering held to mark 35 years since the forced expulsion of Muslims by the LTTE https://www.newswire.lk/2025/11/01/exhibition-peaceful-gathering-held-to-mark-35-years-since-the-forced-expulsion-of-muslims-by-the-ltte/ Sat, 01 Nov 2025 05:15:59 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=208817

An exhibition and mural painting by Tamil and Muslim women from the North and East was held in Jaffna onContinue Reading

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An exhibition and mural painting by Tamil and Muslim women from the North and East was held in Jaffna on Friday (31), to mark 35 years since the forced expulsion of Muslims from the North by the LTTE.

The exhibition, organised by the Alliance for Minorities and the Chelvanayaham Memorial Trust, was also held in Mannar this week, while it will be held in Kilinochchi on Sunday (02 Nov). 

The event was organized to commemorate the forced expulsion of the Muslim population from the Northern Province by the LTTE militant group in October 1990. 

The expulsions occurred rapidly between October 15 and 30, 1990, and an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 Muslims were reportedly driven from their homes in the districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and parts of Vavuniya.

The ousted Muslim population sought refuge primarily in the Puttalam district, as well as in other areas like Anuradhapura, Kandy, and Colombo, while some remain displaced to date.

Meanwhile, the Forcibly Evicted Association-1990 organized a peaceful “Black October 2025” remembrance gathering in Puttalam on Friday (31), marking 35 years since the forced expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province by the LTTE in October 1990.

According to a statement from the Association, the event brought together displaced families, community leaders, youth representatives, and social activists to remember the suffering endured by Northern Muslims and to reaffirm their continued demand for justice, resettlement, and restoration of land rights.

Participants held placards and banners calling attention to the ongoing plight of those who were expelled in 1990 and are still living in displacement. They urged the government to recognize their historical injustice and take meaningful steps to ensure permanent housing, land ownership, and livelihood opportunities for the affected families.

Speakers emphasized that while decades have passed, the struggle for equality and dignity continues. The gathering served as a reminder that reconciliation is incomplete without addressing the grievances of those who lost everything during the 1990 expulsion.

The Forcibly Evicted Association further reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for truth, justice, and restoration, ensuring that future generations will remember this dark chapter of history and work together for lasting peace and coexistence. (Newswire)

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Three deported from India arrested by TID https://www.newswire.lk/2025/10/29/three-deported-from-india-arrested-by-tid/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:21:23 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=208496

Three individuals who were deported from India and are allegedly connected to criminal activities in Sri Lanka have been takenContinue Reading

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Three individuals who were deported from India and are allegedly connected to criminal activities in Sri Lanka have been taken into custody by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) at the Katunayake Airport.

It was reported that these suspects were deported from India to Sri Lanka yesterday, via an aircraft belonging to an Indian airline.

According to Indian media reports, the three individuals had illegally entered Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka. They had crossed into Tamil Nadu by boat approximately 15 days ago.

Upon arrival in India, it was discovered that they possessed no legal documentation to remain in the country. Reports also indicate that these individuals are facing multiple ongoing legal cases in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, the three suspects are believed to have links to the cache of explosives that were discovered recently in the Valvettithurai area in Jaffna. The cache of explosives discovered in that incident was reportedly hidden by the LTTE during the civil war. (Newswire)

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Eravur observes Day of Mourning for 121 Muslims massacred in 1990 https://www.newswire.lk/2025/08/12/eravur-observes-day-of-mourning-for-121-muslims-massacred-in-1990/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:53:03 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=198638

All businesses in Eravur, Batticaloa, remained closed today in remembrance of the 121 Muslims who were brutally massacred in EravurContinue Reading

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All businesses in Eravur, Batticaloa, remained closed today in remembrance of the 121 Muslims who were brutally massacred in Eravur by members of the LTTE.

Marking the 35th anniversary of the mass killing of Muslim civilians in Eravur, religious observances were held today, 12 August 2025.

The main street of Eravur declared a day of mourning, with all commercial establishments shut down in solemn tribute.

Under the leadership of M.L. Abdul Latheef, President of the Eravur Suhadaq Association, a memorial event was held at the Noorus-Salaam Central Cemetery Mosque. 

Relatives of the victims, religious scholars, students, police officers, and political dignitaries were among those in attendance.

The Eravur Municipal Council and the Traders’ Association jointly submitted a petition to the government, handed over to Eravur Divisional Secretary S.H. Musammil.

According to the event organizers, 121 Muslim civilians were massacred in their sleep in their homes in the Eravur area by members of the LTTE on the night of 12 August 1990.

The petition calls for an independent investigation into the killings and demands justice for the victims. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Army returns wartime recovered Gold to Police https://www.newswire.lk/2025/05/02/sri-lanka-army-returns-wartime-recovered-gold-to-police/ Fri, 02 May 2025 10:53:15 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=185370

Gold and Silver belonging to civilians, which had been with the LTTE during Sri Lanka’s civil war and were subsequentlyContinue Reading

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Gold and Silver belonging to civilians, which had been with the LTTE during Sri Lanka’s civil war and were subsequently recovered by the Army, were officially handed over to Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya. 

The stock of gold and silver was handed over to the Acting IGP at the Army Headquarters in Battaramulla today. 

According to the Sri Lanka Army, the Gold and Silva are to be transferred to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for valuation. 

The Sri Lanka Army further said that the items will be returned to their rightful owners upon proof of identity and ownership. (Newswire)

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UK war sanctions : Namal questions Govt https://www.newswire.lk/2025/03/25/uk-war-sanctions-namal-questions-govt/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 06:56:29 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=180374

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has questioned the government on its stance regarding the UK government’s recentContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has questioned the government on its stance regarding the UK government’s recent sanctions on four individuals, including former senior military commanders, over serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lanka civil war.

The UK Government imposed sanctions on former head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army Jagath Jayasuriya and former LTTE military commander Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman.

Taking to ‘X’, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka was the first nation to fully defeat terrorism, yet the West continues to selectively target Sri Lankan war veterans while ignoring those who funded and justified LTTE brutality. 

He further said the latest UK sanctions aren’t about human rights and that they are the result of relentless LTTE-backed lobbying, manipulating foreign governments to act against those who brought lasting peace.

“This is not justice; some Western politicians are enjoying the perks of lobbying money, putting our nation’s reconciliation at risk. People from both the North and South must understand that the freedom we enjoy today comes from tough decisions. These sanctions will lower the morale of our forces, and if another crisis arises, they may lack the courage to fight if we don’t support them now.

“Those behind these sanctions don’t care about the safety of the Tamil community—they are only creating more problems and further jeopardizing reconciliation. Their real goal is to disrupt the progress made, especially as Tamil communities in the North and East now have a clear path to vote for national parties. We will never allow anyone to hamper reconciliation between communities,” he said.

MP Namal Rajapaksa reiterated that the war was against terrorism, not against any ethnic group. 

“I urge the Tamil community not to fall for the agenda of certain Tamil politicians who receive perks to fuel divisions between communities through certain INGOs,” he said.

MP Namal Rajapaksa questioned if the government would defend its war veterans or remain silent over the matter. 

“Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Vijitha Herath, your government came to power with support from those who have always undermined our military’s sacrifices. Will you defend them now when foreign powers attack those who secured peace for Sri Lanka, or will you stay silent?

“We will always protect our war veterans—now and forever. Their sacrifices secured our peace, and we will never allow anyone to undermine their legacy,” the SLPP MP added. (Newswire)

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Maaveerar Naal : Minister warns of political misuse https://www.newswire.lk/2024/12/04/maaveerar-naal-minister-warns-of-political-misuse/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 07:48:00 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=166913

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala commenting on ‘Maaveerar Naal’ commemorations in Sri Lanka said that certain politically organized groupsContinue Reading

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala commenting on ‘Maaveerar Naal’ commemorations in Sri Lanka said that certain politically organized groups are attempting to use the event to promote divisions and racism in the country.

Addressing Parliament today, Minister Wijepala reiterated that although there is no possibility of holding events using LTTE signage or symbols, people were not obstructed from remembering their relatives who died in the war.

“244 commemoration events were observed in the North, according to Police. Out of these, only 10 commemoration events had displayed signage or symbols of the LTTE, against which the Police had acted,” the Minister said.

“Facts have been reported to the Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court on two incidents, while facts were also reported to the Point Pedro Magistrate’s Court regarding four incidents. One incident has been reported to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court. A resident of Chunnakkam has been arrested for promoting the LTTE and remanded until today (Dec 4),” he explained. The Minister said that several others were arrested for publishing or promoting images related to the LTTE recently.

The Minister also revealed that a complaint had been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department against a newspaper for distorting and publishing his earlier comments on the matter.

“Some in the South attempt to spread false news online, especially using images of commemorative events held elsewhere in the world. These are politically organised attempts to promote divisions within communities,” the Minister said.

Several persons were arrested for such online activity which were politically motivated, the Minister said, adding that two out of those arrested had contested for the elections under the Gas Cylinder symbol.

Meanwhile former Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara charged that the Police have discriminated against the people of the North and South, claiming that two laws have been used to file charges on similar offences on the matter.

“The cases you have filed have been filed under two different laws,” Jayasekera said in Parliament. “In the South, the charges have been filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, while in the North, charges have been filed under the Penal Code,” he said.

Responding to the statement, government Ministers including the Public Security Minister accused MP Jayasekara of inciting racist comments. (Newswire)

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Three arrested for promoting old LTTE heroes’ day content online https://www.newswire.lk/2024/12/01/three-arrested-forpromoting-ltte-heroes-day-content-online/ Sun, 01 Dec 2024 04:05:56 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=166590

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) have arrested three individuals for allegedly sharing content relatedContinue Reading

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) have arrested three individuals for allegedly sharing content related to the banned LTTE organization linked to previous ‘Maaveerar Naal’ commemorations on social media.

The suspects, aged 28, 35, and 45, are residents of Maradana, Chunnakam, and Baddegama.

According to police reports, the suspects shared photographs and videos featuring LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran on Facebook. They are also accused of circulating old footage from previous LTTE Maaveerar Naal celebrations as if it were from this year’s events.

The suspects were taken into custody under charges of inciting public unrest, promoting the activities of a proscribed organization, and disseminating false information via social media. The arrests were made under Section 120 of the Penal Code and Section 27 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979.

The CID and the TID are conducting further investigations into the incident. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to monitoring and taking action against any activity that violates the country’s laws and disrupts national harmony. (Newswire)

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‘Maaveerar Naal’ : Police Minister outlines commemoration rules https://www.newswire.lk/2024/11/25/maaveerar-naal-police-minister-outlines-commemoration-rules/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:47:55 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=165951

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says that there is no possibility of holding events using logos, uniforms or picturesContinue Reading

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says that there is no possibility of holding events using logos, uniforms or pictures of LTTE cadres to commemorate ‘Maaveerar Naal’ observed on November 27. 

Minister Wijepala said, however, that the people of the North will not be obstructed from remembering their relatives who died in Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Responding to questions by journalists during an event in Galgamuwa yesterday, Minister Wijepala revealed as per the laws of the nation, the LTTE is a banned terrorist outfit.

He further said that the government has not prevented the public in the North from remembering their relatives who died in the war.

He said, however, they will have to do so by adhering to the laws when holding commemorations, adding that they have the right to remember their dead family members.

Minister Wijepala, noting that certain groups have often attempted to give different interpretations of past commemorations observed by the people of the North, urged the public to refrain from holding memorials that involve items associated with the LTTE.

Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zbzbGlhoos&t=183s (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka welcomes Canada’s decision to retain LTTE as a terrorist entity https://www.newswire.lk/2024/08/15/sri-lanka-welcomes-canadas-decision-to-retain-ltte-as-a-terrorist-entity/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:24:38 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=155780

The Government of Sri Lanka has welcomed Canada’s decision to retain the Tamil militant organization, the Liberation Tigers of TamilContinue Reading

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The Government of Sri Lanka has welcomed Canada’s decision to retain the Tamil militant organization, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist entity.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, the Sri Lankan Government welcomes the decision of the Government of Canada to retain the LTTE along with the World Tamil Movement (WTM) as terrorist entities. 

According to a recent review, Canada maintains that the remnants of the LTTE have an international fundraising and procurement network that still exists. The review of the WTM notes that the group continues to play a facilitating role in the LTTE’s terrorist activities by fundraising on their behalf. This decision taken following a rigorous review process, reaffirms the continued threat posed by these organizations. 

The Government of Canada first listed the LTTE as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code on 6 April 2006 and it is a statutory requirement to undertake a review every five years. The latest review process concluded in June 2024. 

The continued listing of the LTTE by the Government of Canada is presently the third consecutive ban on the LTTE in recent times, with the extensions on the proscription of the LTTE having also taken place in India and the European Union, in addition to the judgement of dismissal by the Proscribed Organisations and Appeal Commission (POAC) in the United Kingdom on the application made for the de-proscription of the LTTE in the UK, this year. (Newswire)

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Indian Govt extends ban on LTTE for five years https://www.newswire.lk/2024/05/14/indian-govt-extends-ban-on-ltte-for-five-years/ Tue, 14 May 2024 12:13:32 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=147201

The Government of India on Tuesday (May 14) extended the ban imposed on the now-defunct Sri Lankan militant group, theContinue Reading

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The Government of India on Tuesday (May 14) extended the ban imposed on the now-defunct Sri Lankan militant group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), for five more years.

According to Indian media, The Hindu, the ban has been extended as it continues to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for it in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.

The Union Home Ministry imposed the ban invoking the sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

In a notification, the Home Ministry said the Central government is of the opinion that the LTTE is still indulging in activities which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country.

It said that even after its military defeat in May 2009 in Sri Lanka, the LTTE has not abandoned the concept of ‘Eelam’ (an independent country for Tamils) and has been clandestinely working towards the ‘Eelam’ cause by undertaking fundraising and propaganda activities and the remnant LTTE leaders or cadres have also initiated efforts to regroup the scattered activists and resurrect the outfit locally and internationally.

“The pro-LTTE groups/elements continue to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for LTTE in India and particularly in Tamil Nadu, which will ultimately have a strong disintegrating influence over the territorial integrity of India,” the notification said, citing a few other reasons too. (Newswire)

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Two LTTE prisoners serving life sentences receive Presidential Pardons https://www.newswire.lk/2024/01/16/two-ltte-prisoners-serving-life-sentences-receive-presidential-pardons/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 04:58:23 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=136947

Two prisoners who had been serving life sentences for LTTE activities were granted Presidential Pardons on Sunday (Jan 14), itContinue Reading

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Two prisoners who had been serving life sentences for LTTE activities were granted Presidential Pardons on Sunday (Jan 14), it was reported.

According to the Sunday Times, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had granted Presidential Pardons to Nagalingam Madansekar and Selvathurai Kirubakaran.

Madansekar and Kirubakaran had been convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations.

After being indicted in the Colombo High Court, Madansekar was convicted of charges filed under the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulations on March 29, 2023 and sentenced to life in prison.

Kirubakaran had been found guilty of charges filed under the PTA and even though he had filed an appeal against his conviction, on July 20, 2022, the Court of Appeal affirmed the ruling given by the Colombo High Court.

However, they have been granted Presidential Pardons by the President under powers vested with him under Article 34(1) of the Constitution.

The Presidential Pardons were initiated following Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse’s recommendation, backed by a Prison Department report that said the duo had displayed good behaviour. (NewsWire)

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TID inquiry into group posting LTTE-related content on internet https://www.newswire.lk/2024/01/09/tid-inquiry-into-group-posting-ltte-related-content-on-internet/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:28:11 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=136437

The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has launched a probe into a group allegedly working with international terrorist organizations and postingContinue Reading

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The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has launched a probe into a group allegedly working with international terrorist organizations and posting extremist views related to the LTTE on the Internet, it was reported.

According to Daily News, the TID yesterday (Jan 08) informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe of the investigation, stating that the probe is being conducted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The TID further said that the group is found to be communicating its propaganda through mobile phones, sharing information on extremist ideas with one another via various websites.

The TID also informed the court that these people have exchanged information claiming that the time has come to restore LTTE terrorism that was eradicated after the end of the 30-year war in this country.

The TID added that a probe is being conducted focusing on the mobile phone numbers used by the people who run these extremist websites. (NewsWire)

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No proper evidence: Three arrested over Colombo bomb released after 15 years https://www.newswire.lk/2023/11/10/no-proper-evidence-three-arrested-over-colombo-bomb-released-after-15-years/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:16:22 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=131423

Three members of the LTTE militant group who were remanded over a bomb incident in 2006 have been released fromContinue Reading

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Three members of the LTTE militant group who were remanded over a bomb incident in 2006 have been released from the case after 15 years of imprisonment, it was reported. 

The three LTTE cadres were imprisoned over the bomb blast targetting the convoy of the then Pakistan High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Colpetty in August 2006.

Taking up for hearing the case, Colombo High Court Judge Mahen Weeraman today issued a verdict releasing them from all charges of the case.

Announcing the verdict, the judge said that the charges against the accused had not been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

A case was filed against the three accused, Yogaraja Nirojan alias Star, Subramaniam Surendra Raja alias Karan, and Kanagaratnam Adhithyan alias Giri, by the Attorney General under 25 charges. (NewsWire)

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LTTE statement : Vijayakala Maheswaran released from case https://www.newswire.lk/2023/10/19/ltte-statement-vijayakala-maheswaran-released-from-case/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 06:07:49 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=129561

Former MP Vijayakala Maheswaran has been ordered to be released from the case filed against her on a statement madeContinue Reading

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Former MP Vijayakala Maheswaran has been ordered to be released from the case filed against her on a statement made in connection to the Sri Lankan Tamil militant organization, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The order was issued by the Colombo Magistrates Court when the case was taken up for hearing today.

In July 2016, a case was filed against Vijayakala Maheswaran, alleging that she tried to create discord among the races by declaring that the LTTE organisation should be rebuilt. She had allegedly made the statement at a function held in Jaffna.

In October 2023, the Organised Crimes Prevention Division informed the Attorney General that no further legal proceedings would be taken against Vijayakala Maheswaran with regard to the case. 

The court was informed at the time that the Attorney General had instructed to release Vijayakala Maheswaran as the case against her could not be sustained.

Taking up for hearing the case, the Colombo Magistrates Court today ordered Vijayakala Maheswaran to be released from the case. (NewsWire)

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