Sri Lanka: the untold story

Issue 

By Carla Gorton

SYDNEY — A seminar, organised by the neethi forum at Sydney University on May 16, aimed at educating people about the history of the conflict in Sri Lanka and the challenges in achieving peace with justice. Neethi means "justice" in Tamil.

The neethi forum is a group of Australian Tamils who work to educate other Australians about the trauma and suffering of people in their homeland.

Speakers included Nick Cowdery, QC, who outlined international charters regarding the right of all people to self-determination, and Mano Navaratnam from Melbourne, who spoke about the economic embargo on the Tamil homeland and the role of women in the Tamil struggle.

Ana Pararajasingham, editor of Tamil Monitor, addressed the common stereotype of the war as Tamil "terrorism". He outlined the history of state terrorism as the root cause of the armed conflict.

Uniting Church ministers John Jegasothy and Andrew Williams also spoke. Jegasothy talked about Tamil refugee camps in Sri Lanka and the detention camps of the 1980s, where some of the worst torture on record was performed. Williams, who visited Sri Lanka recently, pointed out that the Australian embassy there is aware of damning reports by organisations such as the Red Cross which are not being released to the public.

The final speaker, Danny Sriskandarajah, a forum organiser, spoke of his experiences as a young Tamil in Australia.

Suggestions for education, research and campaigns were canvassed. Participants from a range of organisations expressed their support for the neethi forum and their willingness to join in solidarity activities with the Tamil people.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.