UNHCR, the refugee agency of the United Nations, has temporarily suspended the process of facilitating the repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees apprehending arrest upon their arrival in Sri Lanka, The Hindu reported.
The repatriation of seven refugees from Tiruchi to Colombo on August 14, 2025, was called off in the last minute amid reports of at least four refugees being detained on charges of violating immigration laws on arrival in Sri Lanka.
According to official sources, Freeman Richard Velvavandram (54), whose return was facilitated by the UNHCR was arrested on arrival at the Colombo international airport on August 12. He was produced before a Judicial Magistrate and let on bail. However, a review of the voluntary repatriation documentation revealed no prior security concerns associated with his return, the sources said.
Similarly, on May 28, 2025, another Tamil refugee who left the country decades ago during the civil war was arrested after he landed in Jaffna.
A Sri Lankan Tamil couple that flew to the Jaffna international airport without UNHCR facilitation in the first week of August was also arrested. The couple had reportedly been residing in India since 1996 in the Mandapam refugee camp in Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, they were detained by the immigration authorities and handed over to the police for further investigation, the Hindu reported, quoting unnamed sources.
Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte passed away today while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, his family said. He was 57. Recently, he was admitted to hospital following an illness.
Among the top news stories reported today were the passing away of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, questioning of NPP Leader Wimal Weerawansa by the CID over the remarks he made about the Easter Sunday attack investigations and a protest march held in Borella calling an end to Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza.
Two persons reportedly involved in the murder of a resident in Peradeniya following a dispute over a chocolate worth 10 cents has been remanded by the Magistrate when Peradeniya Police produced them in court.
Hundreds of local and foreign tourists have been taken for a ride with Artificial intelligence (AI) generated images that the Nine Arch Bridge has been illuminated, encouraging night time visitors.
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