With the 2024 UK General Election set to take place on July 4, more British Tamils than ever before have been named as candidates with a range of Britain’s political parties. The Tamil Guardian interviewed the candidates who are hoping to become one of the UK’s first-ever British Tamil parliamentarians.

 

Kamala Kugan, Liberal Democrats

Candidate for Stalybridge and Hyde

 

Q: Tell us about yourself, your journey into politics, and the Liberal Democrats

I came to the UK as a child to join my parents in the late 1960s. I've an accounting background, and have worked in both private, public and third sectors, including the NHS, Home Office and Foreign Office. I've experienced at first hand many of the social ills, still abound today, from poor housing, unemployment, discrimination and hence developed an early interest in wider socioeconomic issues impacting on ordinary folk.

As a community, Tamils are renowned for their sense of service. This is only topped by aspirations to safeguard our language (the oldest living language with deep concepts of justice, humanity and respect for the whole of creation) culture and arts. Sir Ed Davey was a frequent visitor to the Kingston Tamil School, during which time, Mr Yogan Yoganathan, first became a Lib Dem Councillor then the first Tamil Mayor in Kingston Borough, as did Mr Thayalan a few years later. As a volunteer with CCD ( Centre for Community Development) for some 17 years,  I was involved with a number of charitable projects both in the UK and abroad, including Women's empowerment, though it was through the Tamil School, I became a  Lib Dem volunteer, later was elected a Councillor in the 2022 local elections. 

 

Q: Why do you want to be the next MP for your constituency?

After 14 years of Conservative government, I recognise many of the social ills impacting on so many segments of society and public services, that need tackling. Presently I'm a PPC for Stalybridge & Hyde, a constituency in Greater Manchester - traditional Labour heartlands, also known as Red Wall Seats.

 

Q: To date, very few British Tamils have run for office - why do you think that is?

It may be because due to the lack of role models as well as clear pathways and opportunities - especially for women. Hard working families also tend to be more focused on more immediate matters, and politics may not pop up on their radar, especially during cost of living crisis.

Q: There are lots of issues British Tamils care about, including both domestic and foreign policy. Several UN reports and senior British politicians have called for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). What tangible steps would you take to ensure Sri Lanka is taken to the ICC?

Thank you, Sir Ed has been a very close ally of the Tamil cause. And the Lib Dems have been very supportive in ensuring justice and fair play for Tamils everywhere.

 

Q: Canada’s parliament has recognised May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. How would you push for recognition of the Tamil genocide in the UK?

As above.

 

Q: Sri Lankan war criminals are yet to be sanctioned in the UK, but have been in Canada and the United States. What steps would you take to ensure that they are?

As above.

 

Q; In the long run, tackling the underlying issues on the island are key. Senior British leaders have spoken on Tamil self-determination in the past. How would you go about ensuring that the right to self-determination is exercised?

As above.

 

Q: Last month, a US Congress resolution, which has support from both Republicans and Democrats, was introduced calling for a peaceful and democratic solution through an independence referendum. Would you support a similar push for that from the UK?

As above.

 

Q: Looking domestically - Tamil asylum seekers are still facing deportation, from the UK and territories such as Diego Garcia. How would you ensure that Tamils fleeing persecution are not deported back to danger in Sri Lanka?

As above.

Q: Thousands of British Tamils work in the NHS. In your opinion, what are the causes behind so many of the issues it faces and how will a Liberal Democrats government fix them?

I have worked 12-hour shifts as an A&E coordinator as well as in many patient facing departments. I'd advocate a #HealthAndWellbeingPlan for everyone, from age 13+ if possible, to ensure many lifestyle diseases such as Cardiovascular and Type 2 Diabetes are eradicated within a generation. I’m also a founder member of a voluntary society in a local NHS Trust which seeks to support and ensure a sense of belonging for everyone and to protect them from harassment and bullying, in delivering Patient centred care every time.

 

Q: The economy has been faltering with soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis. How would a Liberal Democrats-led government help fix it?

The Lib Dems have a clear, costed plans to help tackle the cost of living crisis, by taxing the super profits of Energy companies and the big banks, as well as to fix the broken social care system and the NHS,  and  better protect our rivers from sewage dumping.

 

Q: What would be your message to young British Tamils looking to get involved in politics

Join a party, volunteer, stand for local elections / by-elections.

 

Q: And a final message to British Tamils who will be heading to the ballot boxes on July 4th?

Please exercise your vote and encourage youngsters to vote too. Thank you.

With the 2024 UK General Election set to take place on July 4, more British Tamils than ever before have been named as candidates with a range of Britain’s political parties. The Tamil Guardian interviewed the candidates who are hoping to become one of the UK’s first-ever British Tamil parliamentarians.

Naranee Ruthra-Rajan, The Green Party

Candidate for Hammersmith and Chiswick

 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your journey into politics and the Green Party?

My name’s Naranee Ruthra-Rajan and I’m standing as the Green Party candidate for Hammersmith and Chiswick. I'm a long-standing resident of Hammersmith, since 2006, and I grew up as part of the Tamil community in New Malden. I've worked as a teacher and in the charity sector, and I act as a carer for my elderly parents. All of this has informed my politics and is why I'm in the Green Party.

I can't say I'm a natural politician but I do really care about how people are treated and what kind of world we're creating for young people and future generations. It felt important to have someone standing for Green values in this constituency. We are badly in need of real change and real hope, and only we are offering the significant investment and policies it will take. Positive change can only come when people feel heard and empowered. It's an essential part of how we work, and how we develop our ideas and solutions.

I joined the Green Party in 2009 after being horrified by leading Conservative politicians trying to outdo each other at their party conference with how cruel and tough they could be with the different parts of society that they'd decided to scapegoat. Then it was immigrants and single mothers, now it’s immigrants and trans people. The targets might change (some of them) but the tactics don’t, and it always ends up harming those groups and demeaning all of us.

The Green Party offered an alternative and since I joined, I’ve met imaginative, committed, caring people who are tireless in their efforts to find real solutions to the problems we face - solutions including taxing the super-rich, a national housing and insulation programme and climate action so we all have a future.

The emphasis is always on finding solutions that are both compassionate and realistic, and since (unlike the other parties) we're not funded by corporate interests and the very wealthy, you can know that Green Party policies are based on what would work for you, rather than vested interests.

 

Q; Why do you want to be the next MP for your constituency?

I’d love to be the next MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick as I know we need a fresh approach here to represent the needs of the people who live here, and push for new solutions to long standing problems like Hammersmith Bridge, problems with clean air, and more substantial support for local community projects to ensure people can thrive. The resistance to fix Hammersmith Bridge, for example stems from the two old parties trying to score political points against each other rather than make use of the imaginative and fully costed solution from charity, We Are Possible.

We know that the Tories are toast, and that the next government, which will be Labour, badly need scrutiny. It isn’t healthy for any government to have such a large majority. More Green MPs would be able to push for the investment we need in all of our public services including the NHS and social care, and genuine action on addressing the air pollution levels that exceed World Health Organisation limits across London.

However, we all know, that in this election, the incumbent MP here will win again, and candidates from smaller parties, like myself, will not. Under the current political system of First Past the Post (a system only used in Europe by us and Belarus, effectively a dictatorship), we are stuck with the status quo of a two-party system meaning very little really changes for the better. We badly need a new system of proportional representation to ensure that the seats in parliament represent how people voted. Until now the two old parties have resisted this system, but there is starting to be a sea change as the Labour membership has voted in favour of it. We now need Green MPs to push the Labour leadership to recognise it. It’s even become an issue people raise on the door when political parties come round knocking, as more and more recognise the limits of our democracy in its current form.

Thankfully, there are at least 4 areas of England, where it looks like we might be able to win a Green Party MP to provide that honest, compassionate and constructive scrutiny the next government will need. If you live in Bristol, Brighton, North Herefordshire or Waveney Valley, you could vote Green and actually get Green MPs to continue the legacy of the brilliant Caroline Lucas, alongside our two members of the House of Lords, Natalie Bennett and Jenny Jones.
 

Q: To date, very few British Tamils have run for office - why do you think that is?

Membership of UK political parties amongst Tamils is not very high, so this may be partly why very few have run for office. It’s hard to be definitive about why but it could be that many didn’t grow up in families that discussed politics a great deal, perhaps feeling wary due to experiences back home, or due to the relentlessness of building a life here, working and raising a family. So awareness of the opportunities to get involved in politics is probably quite low. There is a strong sense of public service that runs through the community though so a bigger issue, and I can only speak for the Green Party here, is that there’s a lot more we could do in terms of genuine community engagement to reach out, listen and communicate how Green Party policies connect with the concerns of Tamils, and how Tamils can get involved.

It’s tough given the media environment here, dominated by a right-wing media that prefers the shock tactics of parties like Reform. As Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party said recently to Byline Times: ““Negative news sells” whereas Greens offer “sensible practical solutions that voters actually want to see,” but with an increasing number of councillors (over 840) the “Greens are becoming harder and harder to ignore.” We have to keep finding ways to break through and in this election, with us standing in 574 seats, almost everyone in England has a Green candidate to vote for, meaning the media have had to give us more opportunities to get our message across. In this campaign and beyond, I and others in the Green Party will work harder to improve our approach to engaging with the Tamil community. I am grateful to Tamil Guardian for running these interviews and giving your readers a chance to hear a Green Party perspective. Hopefully, by 2029, there’ll be many more Green Tamil candidates to interview!

 

Q: There are lots of issues the Tamils care about, including both domestic and foreign policy.Several UN reports and senior British parliamentarians have called for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). What tangible steps would you take to ensure Sri Lanka is taken to the ICC?

It has never been more important to support the rule of law, including the international law that underpins our rights and protects against state aggression, genocide and the inhuman treatment of refugees. Green Party foreign policy is based very firmly on international humanitarian law. Not just self-interest and trade, not military interest, and not a desire to continue the legacy of a colonial past. Unlike successive governments in the UK that failed to take action during the civil war, during its brutal end in 2009 or even during the political crisis in 2022, the Green Party would push for a proper mechanism for collecting and assessing evidence of war crimes in Sri Lanka, refer war criminals to the ICC and impose sanctions against those who are implicated.

 

Q: Canada's parliament has recognised May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. How would you push for recognition of the Tamil genocide in the UK?

It is important that mass atrocities are commemorated, both in respect for those who died and to try and ensure we as a society continue to learn and understand what led to those atrocities. A group of Green MPs would work to call out the government when turning a blind eye to genocide and work with the UK Tamil community to find ways to commemorate it both regionally and nationally following the example of Canada’s Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day on May 18th. 

 

Q: Sri Lankan war criminals are yet to be sanctioned in the UK but have been in Canada and the United States. What steps would you take to ensure that they are?

The UK has too often put trade and narrow self interest over human rights. To be behind the US, not always known as upholding human rights, is an international embarrassment. Greens would put Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at the top. In the UK, we would seek to follow the example set by Canada and the US to work with the police forces here and the Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue perpetrators of war crimes committed where UK citizens are the victims or where UK citizens are potential perpetrators. This is what we have called for in relation to the appalling carnage in Gaza, and we would call for the same for those who have been responsible for war crimes in Sri Lanka. 

 

Q: In the long run, tackling the underlying issues on the island are key. Senior British leaders have spoken on Tamil self-determination in the past. How would you go about ensuring that the right to self-determination is exercised?

The Green Party want to see the UK take the lead in upholding the right to self-determination and the enforcement of international law. We believe in self-determination because decisions are best made by local communities who should be supported to explore how best to ensure Tamils can be safe and thrive.

 

Q: Last month, a US Congress resolution, which has support from both Republicans and Democrats, was introduced calling for a peaceful and democratic solution through an independence referendum. Would you support a similar push for that from the UK?

As above, given we believe strongly in self-determination, we feel it is essential that Tamil people in Sri Lanka are given the right to decide. Countless places in the world have been denied independence referendums (Kashmir, Western Sahara, Somaliland), but Greens would champion the right of Tamils to vote and to decide. We would have to explore the mechanisms needed to make that possible and ensure those seeking to campaign for independence or alternative approaches do so freely without risk of arrest or worse.
 

Q: Looking domestically - Tamil asylum seekers are still facing deportation, from the UK and territories such as Diego Garcia. How would you ensure that Tamils fleeing persecution are not deported back to danger in Sri Lanka?

For the last 14 years, we’ve seen the compact we have for asylum seekers ripped up by the government, making the system crueller and nonsensical, failing to provide safe legal routes, process claims, house refugees safely, and make family reunification possible to save lives. We would repeal the anti-refugee bills from the last 14 years and have humanitarian visas, working together with European nations to save lives – something that was rightly made possible for refugees from Ukraine and should be made possible with all refugees from conflicts around the world. The UK has not always been a force for good in this area, as we saw when David Cameron was the first in Europe to say no to Syrians fleeing the conflict there, so we need a fresh approach that supports Tamil asylum seekers fleeing persecution. We should be proud to be a country that is kind and fair and just, respectful of humanitarian law.

 

Q: Thousands of British Tamils work in the NHS. In your opinion, what are the causes behind so many of the issues it faces and how will a Green government fix them?

The NHS has been devastated by the austerity imposed by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, the deliberate undermining of the infrastructure to pave the way for privatisation, and the poor treatment of frontline staff. The Green Party would reverse this damage by backing the NHS Reinstatement Bill to abolish wasteful competition and restrict the role of commercial companies. And unlike the other parties, we have a fully costed plan to fund both the NHS and social care properly. The Nuffield Trust have criticised the three oldest parties’ manifestos for a funding shortfall of roughly £20 - 23bn saying they represent an “unprecedented slowdown in NHS finances and it is inconceivable that it would accompany the dramatic recovery all are promising….they would struggle to pay the existing staff, let along the additional staff set out in the workforce plan.”

In contrast, our “economically credible” (Arun Advani, University of Warwick) plans to tax the superrich means that the Green Party have a fully costed plan to push for a steady reduction in waiting lists by giving clear long-term funding commitments to Hospital Trusts so they can plan with more confidence, treat staff fairly with a one-off budget to cover a fair wage settlement and pay restoration for junior doctors, and put £20bn capital spend into hospital buildings and repair. We would also increase investment in primary care so we can see a GP when we need to, implement a National Cancer Plan including investment in enhanced screening and public health, and put mental health on an equal footing with physical health with access to treatment within 28 days. Finally, we would put an end to ‘dental deserts’ by pushing for a new contract with NHS dentists, increasing the number of available appointments and investing in a roll-out of free dental nursing for children and those on low income. 

 

Q: The economy has been faltering with soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis. How would a Green-led government fix it?

This general election is taking place during an ongoing cost of living and inequality crisis. In the Green Party, we know that the solutions to this are the same as those needed to end the climate crisis, making the future not just more liveable but fairer for us all too. Throughout our manifesto, you’ll find examples of how climate action means better public services, warmer homes, stronger communities and a restored natural world.

We’d put in place a welfare system that acts properly as a safety net, including an immediate uplift to universal credit and legacy benefits by £40, abolishing the cruel 2-child benefit cap to lift 250,000 children out of poverty, and increasing disability benefit by 5% so no-one has to choose between eating, paying bills and charging essential equipment like wheelchairs. We would also ensure that pensions are always uprated in line with inflation and keep pace with wage rises across the economy, and increase carers allowance by at least 10% a month. In the longer term, we would push for a universal basic income so that everyone has the security to start a business, study, train or just live in dignity.

A Green economy would provide well paid jobs nationally, in renewable energy, home insulation and restored public services. Finally, we would increase the minimum wage to £15 for everyone, no matter your age, and offset the cost of this to small businesses by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,000.

 

 

Q: What would be your message to young British Tamils looking to get involved in politics?

Do it! In the Green Party, we believe there’s no environmental justice without social, racial and economic justice too. Whether you are passionate about clean air, human rights, ending systemic racism, or stopping climate change, it’s all linked. We are the only party that understands this and has the plan and policies to tackle these issues and create a fair and sustainable society. Climate inaction bears particular consequences for those in Sri Lanka, particularly those living in low-lying coastal areas. In the Green Party, you could help develop and campaign for policies that address the issues they face.

There’s so many ways to get involved in politics and it helps you develop so many different skills and pursue campaigns that are in line with Green Party policy. Being a candidate is just one of many roles, along with researching particular issues, organising election support, graphic design, social media, press and fundraising. Young Greens are a very active, sociable and welcoming group, with many local groups set up and training offered. And if there isn’t one in your local area, they will help you get one set up. As well as being a great way to build up your skills in a way that universities and employers appreciate, you’ll meet like-minded people and be helping to make our planet safer for future generations.

 

Q: And a final message to British Tamils who will be heading to the ballot boxes on July 4th?

The Tories are toast. It is looking very likely the next government will be formed by Labour - but rather than be ambitious they will skirt around what needs to be done to get the country back on track. We need more than a few tweaks to undo the damage of the last government. Voting Green sends a message for the serious change that we need. You can lead the way at this election - use your vote for the Greens to give us real hope of a fairer future with credible practical solutions to the real issues facing people every day.

 

Naranee, leafleting with Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party

Ahead of Sri Lanka’s upcoming elections, the island’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has embarked on a four-day tour of China and met with the country’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong.

Rajapaksa, who was forced to resign from his post as Prime Minister amidst mass protests in May 2022, was welcomed warmed by Chinese officials. During his meeting with Minister Weidong, the Minister recalled the Chinese premier’s visit to Sri Lanka in 2014, under Mahinda Rajapaksa’s administration.

Glad to meet Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong in Beijing today. Appreciate China's unwavering support and our strong partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative. Looking forward to further collaboration for Sri Lanka's development. @ChinaEmbSL pic.twitter.com/wDwKGPpQOh

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) June 28, 2024

Beijing formed strong connections with the Rajapaksa clan during their Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. During Rajapaksa’s 2015campaign, at least $7.6 million went directly from a majority state-owned Chinese corporation to the Rajapaksa’s campaign expenditure. Hundreds of thousands of dollars went to pay for “gifts” to supporters of the Rajapaksa and the Chinese ambassador at the time openly campaigned on behalf of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Despite his forced resignation, the former Sri Lankan president has returned to play a leading role in his party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and is reported to be handpicking a candidate for the party to run during the election.

During the discussions, Rajapaksa showered the Chinese with praise stating:

“China's growth rate is setting a benchmark for developing countries such as Sri Lanka. We are impressed by the role that China is playing today in strengthening the economies of countries in Africa. We also follow with interest the leading role that China is now playing in facing up to the challenges of climate change and protection of the environment".

He further claimed that relations between China and Sri Lanka are at the highest levels of friendship and understanding.

China is Sri Lanka's largest bilateral lender owning 52 per cent of the $40 billion external debt when Sri Lanka announced its sovereign default in 2022. China has also played an active role in shielding Sri Lanka from international criticism over its dire human rights record as evidenced by repeated rejections of the United Nations Human Right Council’s resolution.

Rajapaksa is expected to participate in the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

 

Read more here and here

 

Following a petition filed by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued an Interim Order preventing the execution of the Gazette notification which lifts the protected status of a section belonging to the Vidattaltivu Forest Reserve in Mannar. Tamil Guardian reported on this last week where a tense situation ensued when Tamils brought up this matter during a district coordinating committee meeting. 

Last month, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi issued an extraordinary gazette de-gazetting a section of the Vidattaltivu Nature Reserve to set up an aquaculture industrial farm. The Gazette, which is unavailable in Tamil or English but solely in Sinhala, cites that this section of land originally belonging to the Nature Reserve will no longer be considered part of the reserve. The proposed aquaculture industrial farm was projected to raise $1.3 billion for the Government. The appendix of the gazette has not been made public despite being issued in May, this year. The extent of the land and other details have been withheld.

In their petition, the WNPS argued that this action is illegal, threatens conservation efforts, and was done without proper transparency or due process. The WNPS further highlights the ecological importance of the area, especially the mangroves and seagrass that are within the reserve. 

Annalingam Annarasa, Northern Provincial Coordinator of All Sri Lanka's Fishermen's Union told the committee that this was a covert scheme to sell Tamil lands to foreign companies. Although the importance of the nature reserve as Sri Lanka's best blue carbon protected area amid climate change was higlighted by the WNPS, Tamil homeland resources continue to be extracted for the enrichment of the majority community.

The Supreme Court having heard the submissions, issued interim orders staying and suspending the operation and validity of the Minister's order. It also deemed that the Minister and the other Respondents should maintain the status quo as of the date of the Petition. 

More details on the Vidattaltivu Forest Reserve here, 

Tamil Eelam flags at a protest in Geneva, 2019

The UK Proscribed Organisation Appeals Commission (POAC) rejected an appeal by the Transitional Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) to lift the ban on the Liberational Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), yet details several errors made by the British Home Secretary, James Cleverly. 

The Commission’s decision upholds an earlier judgement in 2021 which supported the Home Office’s assertion that the LTTE “continues to be concerned in terrorism”. The 2021 ruling followed an earlier finding by POAC that government’s earlier proscription was “flawed” and called for the decision to be reconsidered. The UK initially proscribed the LTTE on 29 March 2001 under the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2001.

Amongst the errors made by the Home Secretary was the claim that over 30 countries listed the LTTE as a proscribed organisation. There are only six countries which currently proscribe the LTTE, these are; Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom; the United States; and Canada. There are an additional number of European states which have listed the LTTE for sanctions. 

The case’s appeal, brought by Arumugam and Others, made the following grounds for the appeal:

• Ground 1: The LTTE is no longer an organisation capable of proscription.
• Ground 2: There was no reasonable grounds for the Secretary of State to have formed the belief that the LTTE is currently “concerned in terrorism”.
• Ground 3: The Secretary of State erred in the exercise of her discretion o maintain proscription.
• Ground 4: The continued proscription of the LTTE is not a necessary, justified or proportionate interference with the Appellant’s right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

Reliant on Sri Lankan intelligence

Mr Hayes who represented the appellants took issue with the government’s decision noting that it appeared to rely entirely on open-source information.

“Pretty much every word of every report relied on by the Secretary of State is more properly termed a Sri Lankan government source. Ultimately, the source was a police officer, an army officer, or counsel for the prosecution”.

The commission examined five specific incidents raised by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, the first of which concerned an attempted assassination plot against Tamil National Alliance (TNA) politician, M.A. Sumanthiran.

In the incident, Sri Lankan police uncovered two pistols and a claymore mine however open source reporting overstated the number of suspects as 15, as opposed to the actual number of 5.

The commission found that in this incident, “we are prepared to conclude that this incident could reasonably provide no more than weak support for the proposition that a limited number of potentially relevant individuals were concerned with terrorism”. 

This fed into a broader criticism advanced by Mr Hayes that highlighted that cellular-structure theory relied upon by the government failed to differentiate between individual lone actors and those acting on behalf on an organisation, which held a command structure.

He further relied upon the judgement of Lord Anderson KC, then Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, who maintained that the LTTE was not currently involved in terrorism. Despite this, the commission maintained that the non-conventional LTTE forces relied upon a cellular structure without the need of oversight.

 

A context of militarisation 

This judgement comes in a context in which the Sri Lanka continues to suffer from heavy militarisation which continues to occupy much of the Tamil homeland, the North-East of the island. There is an estimated one solider for every seven civilians across the North-East, report the Oakland institution.

Despite this heavy military presence, the discovery of claymore mines and ammunition by Sri Lanka’s security forces is a frequent occurrence, particularly ahead of elections. In July 2020 there was a spate of arrests in the North-East, with the Sri Lankan security forces arresting more than 20 Tamils on charges of “regrouping the LTTE”. Amongst those arrested was a 17-year-old child. The arrests also came amidst campaigning for Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections the following month, with a similar crackdown on Tamils across the North-East during presidential elections the previous year. Elected officials have also not been spared from these arrests.

Tamil civilians have been subject to arrests under Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for offences ranging from posting on the social media platform Tik Tok to playing songs at political rallies.
 

Recognising the Tamil Eelam Flag

A Metropolitan Police officer at a British Tamil protest in London in 2019.

The commission maintained an understanding of the difference between the Tamil Eelam and LTTE flag, stressing that the Proscription Review Group “does not prevent the display of symbology associated with Tamil independence”.

Whilst noting an incident in 2018 in which a TGTE member, Mr Yogalingam, was arrested whilst protesting a speech by then Sri Lanka’s Prime minister, and current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe. The commission maintains that has been “no evidence of wrongful arrests associated with the display of the Tamil Eelam flag.

They maintain that to avoid confusion there must be continued “community engagement with the police in order to reduce the possibility of misunderstandings”. 

Read the full judgement here.

 

With the 2024 UK General Election set to take place on July 4, more British Tamils than ever before have been named as candidates with a range of Britain’s political parties. The Tamil Guardian interviewed the candidates who are hoping to become one of the UK’s first-ever British Tamil parliamentarians.

Gavin Haran, Conservative Party

Candidate for Southend East and Rochford

 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your journey into politics and the Conservative Party?

I was born in the UK. My father is from Jaffna and came to Britain in the late 1970s. My mother is English and was an NHS nurse. I was the first of my family to go to university and on to a business career. 

I am a financial and legal expert. During the financial crisis, I worked in government on stabilising the British economy. Later I worked for global companies such as JP Morgan and a City law firm.

My Conservative politics emerged from my family’s values. At a young age I was taught the value of hard work, aspiration, and patriotism. I first stood for Parliament in 2019 in Lewisham Deptford, an opposition held seat. Now, I’m running to be the next MP for Southend East and Rochford, hoping to replace the current Conservative MP Sir James Duddridge. I could become the first Conservative MP of Tamil heritage.

 

Q: Why do you want to be the next MP for your constituency?

Southend East and Rochford is unique. It is close to London and on the sea. It has a growing airport and great transport links, beautiful nature and farmlands, and centuries of history and heritage. There are significant numbers of Tamils in the constituency. The late murdered Conservative MP Sir David Ames campaigned for Southend to gain City status, which happened almost three years ago.

The constituency has some problems, like increasing anti-social behaviour and businesses facing challenges. But it also has a huge potential. My practical, problem solving nature, knowledge of business and how government works, is the right fit for here. This is reflected in my plan for the area that is already underway: over £100m investment to be delivered into local healthcare, 83 new police officers being trained up, and protecting the local green belt that Labour wishes to build on.

 

Q: To date, very few British Tamils have run for office - why do you think that is?

I’m glad to see that this is changing and we have more Tamils involved in British politics and standing for election. For example, the British Tamil Conservatives are an increasingly important organisation. 

I think the reasons this hasn’t happened more quickly are varied. There have been barriers to selecting candidates for office. The legacy of the civil war in Sri Lanka, and the treatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka, are felt throughout the diaspora. From the loss of security, status and wealth to a sense that Tamil concerns are overlooked or rejected.

I’m proud that David Cameron was the first British Prime Minister to visit Jaffna, and many MPs in my party support Tamil interests. There remains a lot for us to do.

Q: There are lots of issues the Tamils care about, including both domestic and foreign policy. Several UN reports and senior British parliamentarians have called for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). What tangible steps would you take to ensure Sri Lanka is taken to the ICC?

There were many appalling acts committed during the war and justice must be achieved. Practically, though, Sri Lanka is not a party to the Rome Statue and so the ICC does not have jurisdiction there. If the UN Security Council can agree a resolution, a referral can be made to the ICC. Diplomatic means are necessary.

 

Q: Canada’s parliament has recognised May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. How would you push for recognition of the Tamil genocide in the UK?

The British Foreign Secretary made a statement on 18th May to mark 15 years since the end of the war. In the UK, the judicial system rather than politicians make a determination of genocide. But MPs can and should speak on, and publicly remember, what happened. Also, we must work with other countries to ensure that victims in Sri Lanka can freely exercise their rights, including remembrance.

 

Q: Sri Lankan war criminals are yet to be sanctioned in the UK but have been in Canada and the United States. What steps would you take to ensure that they are?

There must be justice for the atrocities that were committed. The British Government has a sanctions regime and I will advocate for its use to punish human rights abuses. Diplomatic measures are necessary too. My colleague Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Minister for Indo-Pacific, has raised these issues directly with the Sri Lankan government. 

 

Q: In the long run, tackling the underlying issues on the island are key. Senior British leaders have spoken on Tamil self-determination in the past. How would you go about ensuring that the right to self-determination is exercised? Last month, a US Congress resolution, which has support from both Republicans and Democrats, was introduced calling for a peaceful and democratic solution through an independence referendum. Would you support a similar push for that from the UK?

I believe that a referendum could be a fair and peaceful mechanism to resolve Tamil self-determination. The UK’s governments have held that sovereignty questions, whether in Sri Lanka or Spain, should be decided by the people involved. MPs can make the case. 

The British government can also pursue initiatives to resolve the underlying issues in Sri Lanka, such as £11m committed to address the legacy of the war.

 

Q: Looking domestically - Tamil asylum seekers are still facing deportation, from the UK and territories such as Diego Garcia. How would you ensure that Tamils fleeing persecution are not deported back to danger in Sri Lanka?

My dad came here in the 1970s, partly to escape persecution. Legitimate asylum seekers deserve our support. The UK judges asylum on a case-by-case basis and I will do everything possible to help these individuals.

 

Q: Thousands of British Tamils work in the NHS. In your opinion, what are the causes behind so many of the issues it faces and how will a Conservative government fix them?

Virtually all Britons rely on the NHS and rightly admire the people that work in it. Some problems seem to be due to organisation and funding. For example, when my mum became a nurse she was a cadet that received on-the-job training. Then, she went into a hierarchical organisation in which frontline staff, such as ward matrons, oversaw how things worked. We seem to have moved away from some of those arrangements to a more managerial structure, and nurses must now complete a self-funded degree before beginning work.

The Conservatives have invested record amounts in the NHS. But there are still challenges with a growing and ageing population, and retaining staff and their morale. The Conservatives will maintain an NHS budget that grows above inflation, and we have the first Long Term Workforce Plan that will hire almost 100,000 new nurses and 30,000 new doctors. The money has been fully calculated and will be achieved through reducing management, consultancy spending, and closing the £6bn tax gap.

Ultimately, it will be necessary to ensure that the NHS and its staff have a viable funding plan for the long term.

 

Q: The economy has been faltering with soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis. How would a Conservative-led government fix it?

COVID and the spike in energy costs caused by the conflict in Ukraine caused serious economic problems. Inflation is back to target at 2%, and we will focus on rebuilding a dynamic, innovative economy with more money in people’s pockets. That means reducing taxes, restraint in public spending, making laws and regulations that make life easier, and pursuing international trade agreements that we can now do after Brexit. The other parties are currently proposing large unfunded spending or tax pledges without specifying how they will be paid for.

Personally, I would like to see us cut VAT. Businesses constantly tell me this would help them reduce prices (and with it inflation and interest rates), employ more people, grow, and it would make a huge improvement to the cost of living for everyone.

 

Q: What would be your message to young British Tamils looking to get involved in politics?

First, contact me. Whatever your political beliefs, I want to help. Also, work out what matters to you. That might be a specific issue or area of expertise. Or it might be your values. British Tamils have a unique contribution to make, as well as sharing core British values.

 

Q: And a final message to British Tamils who will be heading to the ballot boxes on July 4th?

I’m grateful to the many Tamils in Britain and elsewhere that have been kind and supportive to me. I hope to become the first Conservative MP of Tamil heritage and to open doors for others. More generally, I hope we can demonstrate that the great initiative and drive of Tamils, seen not least in the suffering and achievements of the diaspora, will make a great contribution to British political life in the years to come, and are a demonstration of some of the traits that Conservatives most admire.

With the 2024 UK General Election set to take place on July 4, more British Tamils than ever before have been named as candidates with a range of Britain’s political parties. The Tamil Guardian interviewed the candidates who are hoping to become one of the UK’s first-ever British Tamil parliamentarians.

Uma Kumaran, Labour Party

Candidate for Stratford and Bow

 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your journey into politics and the Labour Party. Why do you want to be the next MP for your constituency?

I was born in East London, it’s where my parents first lived when they came to the UK - fleeing Sri Lanka’s armed conflict. I studied in Queen Mary, I have lived in Stratford and in Bow - and it’s incredible to think of the journey and history that has taken me from being a local student, to hopefully being the local MP.

I’ve worked in the NHS, within politics, for the current Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and also most recently as Director of Diplomatic Relations for a global climate organisation. I worked closely with the United Nations, global philanthropists, scientists and climate leaders to push for bolder climate action around the world. Every job for me has always been with purpose - to be an activist, to make a difference.

My Labour values run deep in my blood, through my family and my parents. My grandad was one of Jaffna’s first Trade Unionists - his dad, my great-granddad, kicked him out of the house temporarily for joining the front of a trade union picket line calling for rights for sanitation workers. He was furious, I am told. It wasn't the done thing in respectable families. Both my grandfathers were civil servants and always had a sense of public service. This runs throughout my family.

We are now dispersed in London, the United States and Australia.

I’m a product of our history. I was born here but by fate. My parents fled the riots in the 80’s. They have been here for over 40 years but the stories they have told me of running for their lives, hiding, not knowing if each other, their families and friends were alive, of seeing death and devastation will stay with me forever.

Britain offered them safe refuge. Tamils fleeing the initial pogroms and violence were given amnesty in the UK and also in Canada. It was a Labour MP who took up their casework and helped them with their immigration status in the 80’s.

The war changed the course of my parents' lives - so many millions of our lives. We are a displaced people, in every corner of our planet. I’m feeling it even more acutely at the moment. My ammamma passed away earlier this month. I wasn’t able to get to Australia in time for her funeral and then back for the campaign. I joined her funeral virtually, through the early hours of the morning. I had press interviews a few hours later - the reality of this life - of why we are separated by oceans feels all the more poignant to me.

But I know she was so proud - as are my parents, my husband and our entire family. And so too our community, I have felt a real outpouring of love and support, it has been hugely humbling.

 

^{Kumaran with Pope Francis earlier this year.}

Q: To date, very few British Tamils have run for office - why do you think that is?

Look, politics is never the easiest of things to get involved with. We are a far more politically active community than most - and it shows - we engage cross-party and it’s great to see, that even if I have completely different political opinions, there Tamil are candidates standing for all parties. (There is one party I take exception with and can’t believe a Tamil-origin candidate is standing on their platform of immigrant-bashing, but I’ll save that discussion for another time.)

Our families don't necessarily see politics as a ‘career’ or a mainstream path to get involved with but the view is changing for the better - I really do encourage the next generation to get involved.

Representation matters. We need more women, people from working-class backgrounds, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+, persons overall. A diversity of lived experiences and backgrounds can bring so much to public life.

Tamils have contributed immensely to British life, in our NHS, to our economy, in business, arts & culture and our public services. And we live in every corner of Britain, from Scotland to Wales, in London and beyond. I campaigned in Clacton recently, to help my friend Jovan, who is standing against Nigel Farage - and I was in total amazement to meet a Tamil lady there -  we had a lovely conversation going from English to Tamil, and she was delighted.

We have taken our voices to parliament many times, calling for justice, lobbying our MPs, and joining events or protests. But we have never had a voice on those historic green benches. It is my ambition to change that. First and foremost to be a voice for the community in Stratford and Bow - but a voice who also happens to be a British Tamil and proud.

 

Q: There are lots of issues the Tamils care about, let’s touch on a few of them. Several UN reports and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer have called for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court. What steps would you take to ensure Sri Lanka is taken to the ICC?

It’s genuinely unbelievable that to date, no one has been held accountable for the war crimes that took place in the run-up to and during May 2009 in Sri Lanka.

We will never forget the devastation, the loss of life, loss of land. Those images of hundreds of thousands of our people sheltering in the sand, in the narrowest of strips of land, the deliberate shelling of hospitals and Red Cross sites, the so-called “no fire zone”. And the torture and sexual violence they subject Tamil men and women to - we will never forget.

And after that, the aftermath, a whole generation growing up without families, men, women and children with the mental and physical scars of war.

I don’t like to recall it in such detail, but we need to know our history.

It’s frustrating that, as Sri Lanka is not a party to the Rome statute or signed up to ICC - the only way we can bring about justice is for them to be referred through the UN Security Council.

In 2009, whilst the massacres were taking place, Labour’s then-foreign secretary David Miliband tried to raise this at the UN Security Council. I remember this vividly. I was part of a group of Tamils who went to meet with and raise this directly with [then Prime Minister] Gordon Brown.

Labour’s foreign secretary was very clear at the time, he said he believes “very, very strongly that the civilian situation in the North East of Sri Lanka merits the attention of the United Nations at all levels.”

It’s been 15 painful years since then. Labour has never stopped advocating for this. We have dozens of MPs on record speaking up for their constituents and fighting for justice for Tamils.

Labour's current Shadow Foreign Minister, David Lammy, has called on the Conservative UK government to “stand with the Tamils and heed the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner to refer the perpetrators of the atrocities to the International Criminal Court”.

Just this year, Keir Starmer - Labour’s leader, and hopefully our next Prime Minister - has said that we must bring the perpetrators of atrocities to justice.

Labour has been clear on our commitment to work towards lasting peace, reconciliation and a long-lasting political solution for the Tamil people.

Labour has already committed to supporting and ensuring that Tamils get the accountability that we deserve, and that this will form part of the key foreign policy priorities should there be a Labour government.

If I am elected on the 4 July, I will actively engage with international organisations such as the United Nations, particularly the UN Human Rights Council, and NGOs.

People must be held to account through the International Criminal Court - my view on what’s happening now in Palestine, and getting justice for those suffering and for the lives lost -  is the same.

We must amplify our call for justice on a global stage. I will advocate for diplomatic efforts that encourage other countries to support the referral of Sri Lanka to the ICC.

I have been advocating internally to the Labour Party on this for the past 15 years - I won’t stop now.

Labour has some incredible MPs who have been our voice on this for over a decade, standing shoulder to shoulder with their Tamil constituents including my neighbouring MP East Ham’s Stephen Timms, Harrow West’s Gareth Thomas, Hayes and Harlington’s John McDonnell, Siobhan McDonagh in Mitchem and Morden, Wes Streeting in Ilford North. Brent’s Dawn Butler and Barry Gardiner, Ealing’s James Murray. Catherine West in Hornsey and Wood Green, and of course David Lammy in Tottenham - who will make the most dedicated and tireless Foreign Secretary  - there’s so many more, I can’t list them all for space here, and now I think I may have forgotten to name some! But I hope this makes it clear - there are a lot of Labour members of parliament who have advocated for us.

By the way - It would be remiss of me not to mention the support of dedicated constituency MPs who are not in my party, but who also have worked hard for Tamils.

We have some incredible Labour candidates throughout London and the country, who I know, if elected, will be strong voices for the Tamil community in the UK.

If I am elected on the 4 July, I will push at every level for Tamils to get the justice that we have been denied for so long -  I know I will have Labour’s parliamentary party with me in calling for justice.

 

^{Kumaran meeting with Gordon Brown in 2009.}

 

Q: Canada’s parliament has recognised May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. How would you push for recognition of the Tamil genocide in the UK?

I think that the recognition of Tamil genocide should be a core aim of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Tamils. By uniting efforts across party lines, MPs can present a more compelling case to the government and increase the chances of achieving recognition. 

I know this is a very important issue for the Tamil community and that the Canadian Parliament has chosen to recognise that, similar to how parliament here passed a motion in 2021 concerning the Uyghur people. I feel that it is something that should definitely be explored with regard to the Tamil genocide.

For wider formal recognition that what happened was a genocide, it needs to be proven in international courts, such as the ICC, which we hope Sri Lanka will be referred to and a determination made.

 

Q: Sri Lankan war criminals are yet to be sanctioned in the UK, but have been in Canada and the United States. What steps would you take to ensure that they are?

David Lammy addressed this issue to a Tamil audience in 2022, and I want to echo his words. He spoke of how he “marched for sanctions on apartheid South Africa” and is “demanding sanctions be imposed on Sri Lankan war criminals".

Last week, my colleague Catherine West highlighted at the British Tamil hustings that this is an area where action could be taken quickly.

The UK cannot be a haven for war criminals. We need an assessment of sanctions against those accused of war crimes. I firmly believe that those responsible should be held to account.

 

Q: In the long run, tackling the underlying issues on the island are key. Senior British leaders have spoken on Tamil self-determination in the past. How would you go about ensuring that the right to self-determination is exercised? Last month, a US Congress resolution, which has support from both Republicans and Democrats, was introduced calling for a peaceful and democratic solution through an independence referendum. Would you support a similar push for that from the UK?

I wholeheartedly support a similar push from the UK for a peaceful and democratic solution through a referendum. We have a different political system here from the resolutions system in the US Congress, but I would support efforts to explore how this may be possible in the UK.

 

Q: Looking domestically - Tamil asylum seekers are still facing deportation, from the UK and territories such as Diego Garcia. How would you ensure that Tamils fleeing persecution are not deported back to danger in Sri Lanka?

It’s awful. The story about Tamils being sent from Diego Garcia to Rwanda was heartbreaking. It was painful to read. This is the reality of the dehumanizing policies of the Conservative government  - a Labour Government would get rid of the inhumane Rwanda scheme straight away. I’ll always push to ensure that Tamils in the UK who have a genuine asylum claim are not being sent back to danger - I know Labour MPs have long done this on behalf of their constituents.

 

Q: Thousands of British Tamils work in the NHS. In your opinion, what are the causes behind so many of the issues it faces and how will a Labour government fix them?

It is incredible - I heard recently that 15% of UK medical students are Tamil! I need to check this, but what a stat. Our NHS depends on people like us, people of all ethnicities to make sure that our health service keeps going. It is an incredible service, and I am so grateful to it, it saved my dad’s life when he had a heart attack over 20 years ago, but things are so different now - who knows how long we would have had to wait for an ambulance if it had happened now?

The choices and the lack of funding over the past 14 years of a Conservative Government, have led to our NHS being on its knees. I’ve heard awful stories of people waiting hours and hours for ambulances, driving themselves to hospital out of sheer desperation, medicines not being available.

We also have more people living for longer, with long-term conditions - it’s added huge pressures to the NHS and our social care services - but the solutions are there, the Government just haven't even attempted to try.

A Labour Government created the NHS, it’s a Labour Government that will fix it.

Labour’s mission is to build an NHS fit for the future. Investment alone won’t be enough to tackle the problems facing the NHS - it must go hand in hand with fundamental reform.

The NHS should also be able to prevent ill health in the first place. It must also reflect the change in the nature of disease, with a greater focus on the management of chronic, long-term conditions. And Labour will deliver a renewed drive to tackle the biggest killers; cutting the lives lost to cancer, cardiovascular disease and suicide while ensuring people live well for longer.

Labour’s plan is to:

- Cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments every week

- Double the number of cancer scanners

- A new Dentistry Rescue Plan

- 8,500 additional mental health staff

- Return of the family doctor

I’m not going to talk you through the whole thing, but our plan is incredible and our Shadow Health Minister Wes Streeting - who himself has battled cancer and has been on the receiving end of the incredible treatment our NHS has - is leading this. Have a look here.

 

Q: What would be your message to young British Tamils looking to get involved in politics?

Do it! It’s your right and it's your voice. If you don’t do politics, politics will do you. It’s a saying one of my friends who runs an organisation that seeks to encourage young people to get more involved in politics says to me (the organisation is called ‘My Life My Say’ - definitely look them up!). To all of us who want to be part of the change, who want to fight for what's right and fair and who want to make a difference we should live by this.

Politics doesn’t always feel like it should be for everyone, but I want to show people that there is another way, we can be the change we want to see. Young people, this next generation have been increasingly vocal about the status of human rights and their voices have added to the pressures on all politicians in the UK and around the world - and that’s the right thing.

There’s three things you could do now

1. Make sure you vote on 4th July,

2. Vote Labour

3. Join the Labour Party and be the change you want to see.

 

Q: And a final message to British Tamils who will be heading to the ballot boxes on July 4th?

If you live in Stratford and Bow - join me, let’s make history, vote for me on 4th July!

It’s been 14 long years of a shambolic Tory government - they have decimated our public services, our economy - just look at your mortgage rates or your rents, our NHS on its knees, ambulance waiting times soaring, you can’t get a timely GP appointment, the list goes on.

We have a real chance to change this, and make a difference and to fix things with a Labour Government. Use your vote on 4th July to vote Labour.

With the 2024 UK General Election set to take place on July 4, more British Tamils than ever before have been named as candidates with a range of Britain’s political parties.

The Tamil Guardian caught up with the candidates this month, as they vie to become one of the UK’s first-ever British Tamil parliamentarians.

Uma Kumaran, Labour Party

Candidate for Stratford and Bow

 

 

Gavin Haran, Conservative Party

Candidate for Southend East and Rochford

 

 

Naranee Ruthra-Rajan, The Green Party

Candidate for Hammersmith and Chiswick

 

 

Kamala Kugan, Liberal Democrats

Candidate for Stalybridge and Hyde

 

Mayuran Senthilnathan, Reform UK

Candidate for Epsom & Ewell

 

Devina Paul, Labour Party

Candidate for Hamble Valley

Chrishni Reshekaron, Labour Party

Candidate for Sutton and Cheam

 

Interviews will be published daily in the run-up to the general election. Interviews are being published in the order that responses were received.

All candidates were given the same set of questions and their responses are being published in full.

Chrishni Reshekaron was contacted for an interview but a response was not provided. 

Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry criticised the “double standard and hypocrisy” shown by some countries over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and called for “upholding international law,” despite his government refusing to address crimes committed against the Tamil population on the island.

Sabry made the remarks addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, earlier this month.

“What is happening in Gaza is heartbreaking,” said the minister.

“The double standard and hypocrisy which are displayed by the so-called champions of human right and freedom of expression is beyond our imagination. Therefore, it is the duty of the global South to get together and ensure that the helpless and defenceless population of Gaza are rescued from total annihilation.”

“It is imperative that we strive hard to ensure a rules-based order not only when it suits the rich and powerful but as an equitable and justifiable model for a sustainable world order,” he continued.

“This means upholding international law and ensuring that the principles of fairness, justice and respect for sovereignty guide our actions.”

Several Sri Lankan leaders, including president Ranil Wickremesinghe, have spoken out over Israel’s offensive into Gaza, but at the same time have also maintained friendly relations with Israel and sent thousands of workers to the country in recent months.

Major General Rohitha Aluwihare, the former commanding officer of the General Officer Commanding 11 Infantry Division - Central and representing the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan army, as another official accused of war crimes receives a promotion from the military.

Aluwihare is known for Commanding the 4 VIR under the 681 Brigade - the regiment who were engaged in the military offensive during the final stages of the Mullivaikkal genocide in 2009. His regiment that maintained a merciless military assault until the body was found. Tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were murdered during the final phase of this armed conflict.

In an account of the final phase of the offensive, Aluwihara told the Sunday Observer that during the final day, "our soldiers had killed over 126 terrorists," alone.

The Sri Lankan army stands accused of committing a genocide for which there has been no accountability. Despite it being 15 years since the end of the armed conflict, not a single soldier or commander has been held accountable for the massacres.

Instead, many have been granted promotions.

The first ever British Tamil hustings took place last week, as representatives from the UK’s major political parties pledged to work towards justice and accountability for mass atrocities in Sri Lanka.

The event, hosted by the Tamil Guardian and British Tamil Alliance, took place in Westminster, London last week, as party representatives laid out their vision for the country and shared commitment to the British Tamil community.

Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell of the Conservative Party, Shadow Minister for Asia Catherine West of the Labour Party and Migrant & Refugee Support Spokesperson for the Green Party Benali Hamdache took questions from Tamil Guardian editor Dr Thusiyan Nandakumar, and from the audience, on recognition of the Tamil genocide and international justice for the mass atrocities, amongst other pressing issues.

Watch the full recording of the event below.

 

 

 

The Swiss Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) hosted the “Manavar Eluchi Naal" (Tamil Students Uprising Day) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pon Sivakumaran's sacrifice in Kollinken, Switzerland on Sunday.

Pon Sivakumaran, who gave his life 50 years ago in 1974 at the age of 24, is remembered as the first martyr in the Tamil resistance. On June 5, 1974, surrounded by the Sri Lankan police and fearing torture, he swallowed cyanide and took his own life.

The event began with a moment of silence and the laying of flowers to pay respects to Pon Sivakumaran. Members of TYO Swiss then opened the event with two welcome songs dedicated to Maaveerar (Tamil martyrs). This was followed by a series of dances and performances of songs by various singers. A TYO member delivered a speech honoring Pon Sivakumaran and his sacrifice for future generations. The president of TYO Sitzerland also addressed the gathering, discussing the ongoing projects and initiatives of Swiss TYO.

The event concluded with an invitation to the youth to join TYO in raising their voices for justice, and encouraging collective action and solidarity.

A Sinhala nationalist politician has called for Sinhala language schools to be set up in the Tamil homeland across the North-East, as he addressed parliament.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna's Member of Parliament Gevindu Kumaratunga stated that all 25 districts in the country have Tamil medium primary schools and that the absence of Sinhala medium schools in the North and East “is a matter of concern”.

“If we look at the results of the Grade 5 scholarship exams cut-off marks, we see results coming out of 25 districts in Tamil medium,” he said.

“Even after 15 years since the end of the war, there are no Sinhala mediums in the districts of Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Batticaloa. This shows that there is no primary education in the Sinhala medium in the North-East,” he said. “There are many Sinhalese villages even in Batticaloa, there were Sinhala Medium schools but they are not functioning.”

Kumaratunga made these remarks while addressing a debate on the Gender Equality Bill in parliament recently. He mentioned he has raised his concerns regarding the absence of Sinhala medium schools in the North-East previously. 

The extremist politician has previously praised the Sri Lankan army for setting “an example to the world by launching a humanitarian operation” – the term he used to describe the genocide of tens of thousands of Tamils in 2009.

A group of 23 Sri Lankan police officers have left for New Delhi to attend a two-week course on subjects such as “terror financing, internal security dynamics, and Islamic fundamentalism” as part of a fully funded Indian training program for the Sri Lankan security forces.

According to the Indian High Commission, the capacity building was offered by the Indian government at the request of Sri Lanka police.

“The High Commission of India has been facilitating tailor-made capacity building training courses for the personnel of the Sri Lankan Police at the training institutions; Central Detective Training Institute (CDTI), Jaipur; CDTI, Hyderabad; CDTI, Kolkata and National Security Guard (NSG), Manesar in India.”

The High Commission confirmed that “India regularly offers fully funded training slots to Sri Lankan Police personnel”.

 “Since the beginning of the year 2024, over 60 police personnel, including junior, mid-level, and senior officers, have benefited from training courses on various subjects such as crime scene management, artificial intelligence and cyber crime investigation, and VIP security training,” it added.  

More than 130 Sri Lankan police officers are expected to be trained in India this year, as Delhi closely maintained defence and security ties with Colombo.

In April this year, the Indian High Commission organized an event in Colombo where it showcased weapons for sale to senior Sri Lankan officials, including those accused of war crimes.

For decades India has helped armed the Sri Lankan state as it sought to crush the Tamil independence movement. India provided weapons, intelligence, and training to the Sri Lankan military and continues to undertake joint exercises despite the killing of tens of thousands of Tamils.