Sri Lanka: Reader's Perspective, and a Demonstration in DC

A demonstration against the on-going conflict in Sri Lanka, and in particular against the systematic mass atrocities against Tamil civilians, will take place in Washington, DC this Friday. The announcement is copied below.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked a few Change.org members to give me their perspectives on the conflict. Sujeebavan Manoharan wrote back with the following:

"In my perspective, as a Tamil minority, I'm tired of the constant shadow killings and nationalism-based warfare inflicted by the Sri Lankan government on the Tamils. The killings cannot and must not be justified under the ‘this is war on terror' statement. There are ample evidence with the NGO's and human rights organizations pertaining to the killings and disappearances of innocent Tamils and other non-Tamil individuals who tried to speak out the truth, which could be used against the Sri Lankan officials some of whom are U.S citizens and Green Card holders. These individuals, have engaged themselves in countless war crimes and crimes against humanity under the assumption that they could get away with it. The U.S should take immediate action in prosecuting these individuals and take into account that there are many other nations who are backing them in their present activities, knowingly or unknowingly, that there is indeed a genocide of Tamils occurring in Sri Lanka under the guise of the so-called ‘war on terror.'"

Thanks to Sujeebavan for sharing his thoughts on an incredibly difficult and personal subject. Check out Michael's Humanitarian Relief blog for updates on the crisis.

The announcement about the demonstration (and if anyone is going and would like to take pictures and/or write about it for me, let me know!):

*Your attendance is requested at the Stop the Genocide Rally at the
Washington, DC National Press Club*

Over 3,000 supporters, advocacy groups, and leaders are expected to rally across from the White House on Friday, February 20, 2009 from 9:30am to 4pm with a press meet scheduled at the National Press Club from 9am to 11am.

The rally is to bring light to the plight of the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka which has left more than 300,000 civilians stuck in the crossfire and fleeing their homeland. Among the more than 3,000 people expected at the rally is Attorney Bruce Fein representing the non-profit organization, Tamils Against Genocide. Attorney Fein recently delivered to US Attorney General Eric H. Holder a 12-count genocide indictment against Sri Lankan Defense Minister, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Sri Lankan Army Officer, Lt. Sarath Fonseka, charging violations of the Genocide Accountability Act of 2007. Other expected attendees are various leaders of the Stop the Genocide movement and human rights advocates.

The severity of the ongoing Sri Lanka conflict has resulted in a "Starving for Peace" fast, in which a group of eight young Americans have denounced all foods until the U.S. Congress provides humanitarian aid to the more than 300,000 Sri Lankan refugees just as the Canadian government has recently pledged to do. It's been a little more than two weeks now and 17-year old Boston high-school student, Priya Suntharalingam, is holding on to her  fast along with the seven other young Americans and vows to do so for as long as necessary. Each meal fasted represents 30 refugees living without life's basic necessities. Thus far, over 1,100 others worldwide have joined in the fast, and these cumulative pledged fasts reduce the length of time that the eight remain without food.

Local and national media is expected to attend the rally along with members of Congress. To confirm attendance and secure credentials to attend the press meet scheduled at the National Press Club from 9am to 11am on Friday, February 20, 2009, please contact info@BlueprintCreativeGroup.com or
(404) 437-0078.

*Press Contact:*

Email: info@BlueprintCreativeGroup.com
Phone : (404) 437-0078

*Event Organizers:*

People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL)
Sadena Thevarajah
Email: sthevarajah@pearlaction.org
Phone: (301) 805-2465
Web: www.PearlAction.org

Tamils Against Genocide

Email: info@TamilsAgainstGenocide.org
Phone: (510) 593-7871

[Photo: Sashi Kumari Selvarajha is now in government-held Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka, at a crowded camp for the war-displaced. (Emily Wax/Washington Post) ]