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JAFFNA, Sri Lanka — A local councillor from Sri Lanka’s governing National People’s Power was arrested early Sunday after allegedly entering the home of a retired government official in Nelliady with a group of associates while intoxicated, damaging property and threatening those inside. Roughly six hours later, he was released on police bail, prompting allegations that political pressure helped secure his release. Santhirakumar Kanesaruban, an NPP member of the Vadamaradchi South West Pradeshi

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The United Nations’ top official in Sri Lanka called on the government on Sunday to strengthen investigations into enforced disappearances, conduct independent forensic examinations of mass graves, and ensure that families searching for missing relatives can participate meaningfully in the process. Marc-André Franche, the United Nations resident coordinator in Sri Lanka, made the appeal in a video statement marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappeara

JAFFNA, Sri Lanka — The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the largest political party representing Sri Lankan Tamils, said it will stay away from Sunday’s commemorations for the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, arguing that competing events had been organized without consulting or inviting the party — even as families of the missing prepare for a large march and international conference in Jaffna. The decision lays bare divisions over how one of the most enduring gr

JAFFNA, Sri Lanka — Northern Sri Lanka should be transformed into an economic center with direct links to international trade and investment rather than remain dependent on Colombo, Mano Ganesan, the leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance, said, accusing Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake of standing in the way of two Indian-backed infrastructure projects that could help make that possible. Mr. Ganesan, a member of Parliament, said the development of Jaffna International Airport at Palaly an

JAFFNA, Sri Lanka — A Sri Lankan Tamil couple who migrated from Jaffna to Australia and their two young sons have gone missing in flood-stricken Nepal, leaving relatives in Sri Lanka and Australia anxiously awaiting news of their whereabouts. Chandrasekaran Muralitharan, 47, a native of Kopay in Jaffna, his wife, Shylaja Muralitharan, 42, and their sons, Ashwin, 14, and Aarush, 11, disappeared while travelling in Nepal. All four hold Australian passports. Mr. Muralitharan and his wife are firs