Statement from GTAJ (Global Tamil Association of Journalists)

"Currently there are very few credible journalistic associations, and with the many Tamil websites emerging with the development of technology there was a need to have a consistent approach to media coverage across the World Wide Web..." - Secretary of GTAJ Mr K.Kannan

(LONDON) - The World Tamil Web Conference 2014 (WTWC 2014) took place on Friday 4th April 2014 in London. With the aims of discussing the future of Tamil Media across the World Wide Web. The conference was attended by numerous Tamil Web based media. With a diverse range of participants ranging from Tamil web-based editors, media journalists, researchers, analysts and activists and even artificial intelligence developers. The Panels of guest speakers that participated (in no particular order) were;

Panel 1 Mr. Tim Martin Act Now- specialises in the protection of Tamil Political Asylum Seekers,.Mr. Rajamanoharan TCC Co-ordinator, - Mr Jayathevan- Sri Lankan Guardian,

Panel 2 Graham Williamson- Director of Act Now -Chairman of Nation Without States- a pressure group campaigning for the rights of people's self determination. Candidate for party List at the European Election Vote, National Liberal Party- Self determination for all, Mr Khadhar Master- Researcher & Activist, Cllr Navin Shah - Labour Assembly Member for Brent & Harrow. Mr Rajesh Nambiar- Representative for the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO).

Panel 3 Mr Henry Stass, Mr Jose Baranco and - International Sales Managers for I -Kard, won the ‘Most Innovative Solution 2014’ awarded by SAP, and the ‘Best App of 2014’ awarded by the German Government. Dr. Manokaran - Human Rights Activist.

Panel 4 Dr Arjuna Sivanathan - Chairman for Tamils for Conservative. Mr Senan- Tamil Solidarity Group, Mr Upkar Singh An activist for the Sikh community. Candidate for party List at the European Election Vote, National Liberal Party- Self determination for all, Ms Siobhain McDonagh MP (Labour) for Mitcham and Morden, Gareth Thomas MP (Labour) for Harrow West, Chair of the Co-operative Party. The WTWC 2014 was hosted by Global Tamil Association of Journalists (GTAJ) who also had their official inauguration on that day. GTAJ is a global platform for Web based Tamil media across the world, with the aims of working collectively with a consistent approach to media coverage across the World Wide Web.

Secretary of GTAJ Mr K.Kannan said “ Currently there are very few credible journalistic associations, and with the many Tamil websites emerging with the development of technology there was a need to have a consistent approach to media coverage across the World Wide Web. also GTAJ currently is a platform for 39 Tamil web based media - spanning across the continents, it is fast-growing and with lots of interest.”

Earlier in the day between 5:30 and 6:45pm, a closed door meeting was held where 39 Tamil editors and CEOs of Tamil websites convened and discussed the future of Tamil media. During this time three resolutions were made and passed.

1.GTAJ’s aims are to enable all Tamil websites to associate under one Global platform in working towards the Tamil Cause.

2.GTAJ will continue to work towards the Freedom of Press in Sri Lanka where currently the Government of Sri Lanka is suppressing media freedom form within the country. 3.GTAJ condemns the ban on 16 prescribed entities that have been banned by the SL government The second half of the programme showcased a light entertainment of modern and classical music over dinner.