The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) is greatly saddened by the death of Eliyathamby Ratnasabapathty at the Charing Cross Hospital in London this morning. He was ill for the last six years and had been housed in Hazlewell Nursing Home in Putney.
The European Union (EU) decided on 29 May 2006 to include the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in its list of terrorist organizations. The LTTE has already been banned in several other countries including the UK, India and the US. The ban on the LTTE is an issue of concern to the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. Many people are apprehensive that it may have an adverse impact on the peace process and encourage anti-peace elements within and outside Sri Lanka. The TIC has received many enquiries about the ban. This paper contains some basic information about the EU and the listing of the LTTE, particularly for the use of lobbyists and campaigners.
Sri Lanka claims to be a democracy and the Sri Lankan Constitution says that the country ‘shall be known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’. The claim is ludicrous in light of events in the island. Ordinary people in Sri Lanka at the heart of events, experience the wrecking of democratic principles and democratic institutions every day. The Sri Lankan government continues to violate every democratic principle and shows little regard for democratic institutions.
The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) has been involved for the last 25 years in information work, particularly directed for the purpose of lobbying the international community about the rights and aspirations of the Tamil people. Recent developments in international law and the emphasis of the international community on child soldiers are of concern to the Tamil people. In the last five years, almost all statements on Sri Lanka by governments, the United Nations, the European Union and other international agencies, have included the issue of child soldiers. The UN has shown increasing concern regarding child soldiers and has taken several measures for the protection of children.
The Tamil information Centre (TIC) expresses its extreme shock and deep sorrow at the reported death of over sixty children and wounding of many more in air-strikes by the Sri Lankan air force in Mullaitivu at dawn on 14 August 2006. The TIC condemns the deliberate targeting of children and destruction by the air force and calls on the international community to immediately take every possible measure to bring the conflict in Sri Lanka to an end.
A joint mechanism between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for relief and reconstruction operations in the north-east has not been agreed upon although four months have elapsed since the tsunami struck the island. Discussions have taken place between the two parties but the contents of the talks have not been made public. Both parties seem to agree on the mandate and composition of the joint mechanism, but differences are said to remain on the monetary structure of the mechanism.
The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) strongly condemns the escalating political killings in Sri Lanka, which may plunge the country into the abyss of war and chaos. It's deplorable that people of all walks of defenders, social and community workers, NGO staff, lowers, students, women, educators, priests and members of political parties, progressive organizations and trade unions. With then die their dreams, idealism, commitment, courage, youth, love and hope. A part of us perishes with them and the hopes and dreams of communities and the nation they represent are shattered.
Tamil Women - Action for equality, dvelopment and peace in Sri Lanka
Uploaded Date: 21/04/2013
The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) has strived to assert that women’s rights are fundamental rights, which should be promoted. The Tamil national conflict in Sri Lanka has brought terror and deprivation to thousands of Tamil speaking women in the northeast Tamil homeland.
The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) welcomes the landmark decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in the deportation case of Tamil activist Manickavasagam Suresh. The judgment may have implications for other refugees not only in Canada but other nations as well. This comes at a time when Western governments are attempting, in the face of the 11 September attacks in New York, to justify erosion of the rights of refugees and other rights guaranteed in international law.
The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) is deeply shocked over horrific criminal attack against innocent civilians in the USA. The scale of human tragedy is beyond comprehension and must not be allowed to happen again. This action is a vicious act of terrorism and a crime against humanity.
