The Black Day Delusion: How Political Opportunism Is Cannibalising the Tamil Future

The Black Day Delusion: How Political Opportunism Is Cannibalising the Tamil Future

The Ritual of Self-Defeat Once again, on February 4th, as Sri Lanka marked its 78th year of independence from British rule, a familiar theatre of political spectacle unfolded across the North and East. Black flags were hoisted. Placards were raised. Slogans denouncing the Sri Lankan state echoed through the streets of Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, and Jaffna. Tamil political figures — some elected, others self-appointed — declared the day a “Black Day,” a day of mourning and defiance. To the uninit
Editorial February 2026
Kaniyan Pungundran

Kaniyan Pungundran
‘Because I Loved It’: The Jaffna Tamil Hailed as ‘Father of Italian Cricket’ Speaks to Jaffna Monitor

‘Because I Loved It’: The Jaffna Tamil Hailed as ‘Father of Italian Cricket’ Speaks to Jaffna Monitor

Italy’s recent victory over Nepal — a side widely regarded as far superior in the associate cricketing world — has raised more than a few eyebrows. For many, it was an upset. For those who know the deeper story of Italian cricket, it was something else entirely: a reminder of a forgotten past making itself heard once again. Cricket was once a visible presence in Italy. One of the country’s oldest sporting institutions, the Genoa Cricket and Football Club, founded in 1893, still carries the name
Exclusive Interview February 2026
Aruliniyan Mahalingam

Aruliniyan Mahalingam
Switzerland’s U-turn and the limits of Western peace making

Switzerland’s U-turn and the limits of Western peace making

By M.R. Narayan Swamy Switzerland’s sudden decision to indefinitely postpone a meeting of select Sri Lankan Tamil political parties scheduled for February 19 must be welcomed, as the gathering would likely have provided oxygen to a self-serving and divisive agenda rather than contributing anything positive to Sri Lanka. The Swiss Embassy is understood to have invited the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), whose main constituent is the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC); the Ilankai Tami
February 2026 Guest Column
M.R. Narayan Swamy

M.R. Narayan Swamy
ITAK’s Crackdown on Dissent Tests Its Democratic Credentials

ITAK’s Crackdown on Dissent Tests Its Democratic Credentials

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), long regarded as the principal vehicle of democratic Tamil politics in Sri Lanka, has issued a verbal directive barring members from publicly criticising internal party decisions — a move that has raised serious concerns about the party’s commitment to democratic norms. Jaffna Monitor has learned, through multiple independent sources within the party hierarchy, that senior figures recently communicated through internal channels that disciplinary proceedin
February 2026 Monitor Memo
Our Reporter

Our Reporter
Peiris Warns Proposed Terror Law Threatens Press, Minorities and Trade

Peiris Warns Proposed Terror Law Threatens Press, Minorities and Trade

Sri Lanka’s proposed counterterrorism legislation would significantly erode democratic safeguards, expose journalists and civic activists to prosecution under broadly framed provisions, and potentially endanger the country’s preferential trade access to European markets, former Foreign Minister and constitutional law scholar Prof. G. L. Peiris said this week in his most detailed critique of the draft to date. The Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), published on the Ministry of Ju
February 2026
Aruliniyan Mahalingam

Aruliniyan Mahalingam
COLOMBO PORT OF CALL: Foreigners who came to adore Sri Lanka

COLOMBO PORT OF CALL: Foreigners who came to adore Sri Lanka

By: M.R. Narayan Swamy American dancer Jane Sherman fell in love with Sri Lanka at first sight. The train journey from India to the island nation may have been ghastly but the teenager, who would later become famous, was wide awake at dawn in 1926 to see the sun come up over the luscious green foliage in the country. She was full of admiration for the blue sea water, and described the people in Sri Lanka as “cleaner than Indians”. During the time she spent in Sri Lanka, Jane gave full m
Book Review February 2026
M.R. Narayan Swamy

M.R. Narayan Swamy
“Equality for Brussels, But Not for the Estates,” Plantation Leaders Tell EU

“Equality for Brussels, But Not for the Estates,” Plantation Leaders Tell EU

Representatives of Sri Lanka's historically marginalised plantation Tamil community have urged the European Union to ensure that the country's continued access to preferential trade benefits under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is tied to measurable progress on land rights, housing equity, and labour protections in estate regions. The appeal came during a meeting in Colombo this week between leaders of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) and a visiting delegation from the Eu
February 2026 Monitor Memo
Our Special Correspondent

Our Special Correspondent
Under Sanctions and Fire, Iran Asserts Resilience — Seeks Closer Sri Lanka Ties

Under Sanctions and Fire, Iran Asserts Resilience — Seeks Closer Sri Lanka Ties

Iran's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, used the country's National Day reception on Wednesday to make a broad case for expanded bilateral cooperation, while defending Tehran's record on economic resilience, technological progress, and foreign policy independence. The event, held at the ITC Hotel in Colombo to mark the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, drew a cross-section of Sri Lanka's political and diplomatic establishment. Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nali
February 2026 Monitor Memo
Our Reporter

Our Reporter