Time for sanctions on Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Last Wednesday, I was invited to give a speech to thousands of UK Tamils who were in Trafalgar Square, to commemorate the genocide of their compatriots in Sri Lanka. For many years, Tamils have been systematically persecuted and have been victims of genocide - most notably in 1983 and in the offensive of 2008-9. The United Nations panel on war crimes, confirmed that over 40,000 Tamils were murdered in 2008-9 and estimates put between 100,000 to 300,000 in internment camps. Using the excuse of eliminating the Tamil Tiger Terrorists, the Sri Lankan Regime has committed genocide against the Tamil people, imprisoned many, and denied them their basic right of self determination.

As an Officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Tamil Group, I recently met with the Sri Lankan Ambassador. There were no apologies for the genocide, no recognition of the UN Report and no understanding of basic human rights. I asked why the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (as the country is termed), had such close relations with Gadaffi and had offered him a safe haven. This was denied, despite numerous reports to he contrary - including from the BBC.

Tamils deserve their dignity, freedom and self-determination. They have endured terrible suffering and must be freed from the camps and allowed to return to their villages. The Sri Lankan Government - a truly evil regime, should face international sanctions and a freeze on their international assets.