Tamils commemorate Remembrance Day

More than 100 people attended a meeting to commemorate Mulivaikal Remembrance Day on May 22 — the second anniversary of the day the Sri Lankan military crushed the Tamil Eelam struggle in northern Sri Lanka in 2009.

The gathering, which included guest speakers, multi-religious prayers and children's cultural performances, was organised by the Australian Tamil Congress.

Chairperson Maree Klemm noted two particular aspects of the Sri Lankan civil war — the attack by government forces on the civilian Tamil populaton, and the lack of international intervention to stop the violence.

Paul Toner, Queensland president of Amnesty International, said that two years after the war had ended, Amnesty had called for a full, independent United Nations inquiry into war crimes and ongoing human rights abuses in Sri Lanka.

He also called for pressure to be placed on the Australian government to support any such action by the UN.

Peter Arndt, from the Catholic Peace and Justice Committee, stressed the cry for justice from the Tamil people, and noted the ongoing killings of civilians by the regime, the mass detentions and the military takeover of Tamil lands.

Following a Hindu chant for peace, Father Pan Jordan presented a Christian prayer in support of the victims of war in Sri Lanka, and for “the victims of racism at home and abroad”.

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.