Sri Lanka: Death Squads Threaten CWI
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rights, freedoms and repression |
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Monday November 13, 2006 00:25
by Socialist Party - CWI
Tamil MP killed for speaking out
High profile assassination demands massive response
On 10 November, Nadarajah Raviraj a Tamil MP in Sri Lanka, was killed.
Nadarajah Raviraj was a well-known human rights lawyer, politically close to the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam and had been Mayor of the northern city of Jaffna. He was involved in the Civil Monitoring Committee (CMC) which has been investigating the recent spate of brutal kidnappings and killings of Tamils.
The Chairperson and chief spokesperson of the CMC is Siritunga Jayasuriya, secretary of the United Socialist Party (CWI, Sri Lanka). A Sri Lankan paper carried an article last week saying that Siritunga himself is a prime target for the killers. He is constantly receiving death threats. Friday’s outrageous and provocative high profile killing is obviously aimed at silencing those who speak out against the government and in defence of the Tamil minority.
The CWI is calling for urgent support. PLEASE READ FULL STORY AT www.socialistworld.net and find out what you can do.
Comments (5 of 5)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5Is there a Sri Lankan Embassy or consulate in Dublin. If so is there a protest planned
The Ambassador accredited to Ireland is based in London. You could send emails letters etc there.
Sri Lanka
Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
13 Hyde Park Gardens
London W2 2LU
Tel: 004420- 7262 1841-7(six lines)
Fax: 004420 - 7262 7970
E.Mail: mail@slhc.globalnet.co.uk
Heres the Honorary Consul:
Honorary CONSUL
for Sri Lanka to Ireland
Aelred Samarakoon
59 Ranelagh Road
Dublin 6
Telephone :+353 1 4969621 and 260 4982
Fax: +353 1 496 5345
I've worked with Singhalese and Tamil factions from Sri Lanka. Ditto northern Ireland. native population with british planters set up in the northern part, bit of deja vu here. I liked the native Singhalese and my sympathies definitely lie there. WHo started the bloodshed? Beware viewing the non confrontational as being weak. it's a pity to see greed for property and power infect the poverty classes but as usual the british walked off and leaves the mess behind them. I'll say no more, it's a pity, but last gun standing gets the prize as always. Such a shame...
An emergency picket has been called by the Socialist Party to protest at the continued threat of assasination that hangs over the head of Siritunga Jayasuriya and other activists who are campaigning against the communal and sectarian attacks on the Tamil speaking minority. Meet tomorrow at 12.30 at the Sri Lankan Consul, 59 Ranelagh Road (Luas stops Charlemont or Ranelagh)
Yesterday (Monday), up to 7,000 people protested though the streets of Colombo while thousands boycotted work in the Tamil areas. A high profile international campaign of protests and pickets can force the government to pull back the paramilitary groups they have unleashed. The USP report that the authorities already feel the pressure.
The night before Raviraj was killed, he and Siri were talking. Raviraj warned Siri that because he was Sinhala who was helping Tamils, he was a prime target. Siri replied that so was Raviraj. Raviraj's replied that he felt more secure because he had four body guards. The next morning, as he was getting into his car, he and one of his bogyguards were gunned down. This demonstrates the threat that is there for those socialists and activists who stand against the tide and defend the idea of workers unity.
Please try to attend the picket or send letters of protests and phone calls to the Sri Lankan government. Batu and the FBU have already sent protest letters. Raise this serious issue with your shop steward or union rep and try to get official letters sent, but make sure you send a letter or make a phone call yourself.
Thanks to all who have already responded.
P.s. please forward ALL protests to info@socialistparty.net and usp@sltnet.lk
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