Executive Summary: Fire to Silence Tracing the Arc from  Black July  to Semmani This executive summary of “Fire to Silence" outlines how Sri Lanka’s anti-Tamil pogrom of July 1983 ignited a cycle of violence and impunity, tracing the enduring impact of these events up to the recent discovery of a mass grave in 2025. The article highlights persistent patterns of atrocity, denial, and memory in Tamil regions, examines obstacles to justice, and proposes steps toward accountability and reconciliation. Historical Context: Black July 1983  The article begins with the Black July pogrom of 1983 as a pivotal starting point. In late July 1983, mobs organized by Sinhala nationalist elements attacked Tamil civilians across Sri Lanka, killing thousands and burning Tamil homes and businesses. This outbreak of ethnic violence, backed or abetted by elements within the government, marked a brutal ignition of the country’s Armed conflicts. Black July ’s legacy set the stage for ...

மக்கள் செயல் இயக்கத்தின் கோரிக்கை  June 22, 2025 Brampton, canada.

Solidarity Statement for the Chemmani Vigil — “Anaiya Vilakku” We stand in unwavering solidarity with the families of the disappeared, the youth of Makkal Seyal , and all who gather in Chemmani from June 23 to 25, holding vigil under the unquenchable lamp. This peaceful protest is not merely a cry for justice—it is an act of remembrance, resistance, and deep moral clarity. We echo the demands for the exhumation of Chemmani's mass graves under international supervision . The truth buried in that soil belongs not only to the families who have waited decades—it belongs to the world. SIGN THE PETITION: We honour the courage of those who carry photographs of their loved ones in trembling hands. We recognize the urgency with which survivors and activists refuse to let history be rewritten or forgotten. And we commend the youth who light the way forward with art, poetry, and sacrifice. As the UN Human Rights Chief visits the region, we urge the international community to listen—not only w...

Tamils CanNot Rely on Sri Lanka’s Elusive Promises Any Longer “They’re trampling on our graves with their boots,” lamented a Tamil woman named Kavitha, standing in ankle-deep mud at a former cemetery in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The cemetery, where her brother and other fallen Tamil rebels were once laid to rest, has long been bulldozed, replaced by a sprawling military base. Scenes like this capture the anguish and betrayal felt by Sri Lanka’s Tamil community , who years after the civil war’s end, still face militarization, discrimination, and broken promises at the hands of the state. For decades, successive Sri Lankan governments have pledged reconciliation, justice, and equality for Tamils, only to renege repeatedly once international pressure waned. These hollow assurances – often given to "Delay or seek to gain support internationally" – have led to a pattern of deceit so routine that many observers label it “Ranil’s Fox Tactics" , denoting the cunning, s...

Recent Allegations and Conflicts of Interest Concerning Minister Gary Anandasangaree  I extend my support to Minister Gary Anandasangaree. Edited by: Wimal Navaratnam, Human Rights Activist, Brampton, Ontario, Canada R ecent allegations questioning Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s advocacy for Tamil refugees—and unjustly linking his efforts to LTTE influence—must be addressed with facts, not political rhetoric. As someone deeply committed to human rights, I find it concerning that misinformation continues to distort public discourse. The refugees that Minister Anandasangaree has supported are not LTTE members. His work reflects Canada's values of justice and fairness, ensuring that all refugees, regardless of background, are protected, as long as they do not pose a security threat. Canada has long been a refuge for Tamil people fleeing persecution. Many Tamil Canadians, myself included, have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by our community, both here and abroad. Mini...

 A Legal and Political Analysis Edited by: Wimal Navaratnam, Human Rights Activist, June 09, 2025 Tamil Self-Determination & Sri Lanka’s Sixth Amendment: A Legal and Political Analysis Author Contribution Statement: Wimal Navaratnam, as the Chief Administrative Officer of ABC Tamil Oli and a Human Rights Activist, contributed to the conceptualization, research, and writing of this article. Their extensive knowledge and experience in advocating for Tamil rights played a crucial role in shaping the content and arguments presented in this manuscript. “Let today serve as a reminder of the power we hold as a community —the power to demand accountability, amplify voices, and ensure that the victims of the Tamil genocide are never erased from history. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can uphold justice. ” - Wimal Navaratnam Introduction  The right to self-determination is one of the most fundamental principles in international law, protected by multiple UN con...

Strengthening Advocacy Against Genocide & War Crimes Canada’s Leadership in Indigenous Rights & Global Accountability:  Author Contribution Statement: June 08, 2025, Brampton, Ontario. Wimal Navaratnam, as the Chief Administrative Officer of ABC Tamil Oli and a Human Rights Activist, contributed to the conceptualization, research, and writing of this article. Their extensive knowledge and experience in advocating for Tamil rights played a crucial role in shaping the content and arguments presented in this manuscript. “Let today serve as a reminder of the power we hold as a community —the power to demand accountability, amplify voices, and ensure that the victims of the Tamil genocide are never erased from history. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can uphold justice. ” - Wimal Navaratnam Introduction  In the aftermath of mass atrocities and genocide, communities worldwide often grapple with despair and disillusionment. Many victims and activists – from the...