Great to speak with Tamils for Labour and British Tamils Forum, about the current human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
I’m incredibly proud to represent such an active and inspiring Tamil community in Ilford South, who campaign so hard for human rights around the world.
I was deeply disturbed to hear of the harassment and arbitrary arrest of an elected Tamil MP by the Sri Lankan state recently.
This further emphasises the need for international accountability for mass atrocities and a political solution that respects the right to self determination of Tamil people. Our Govenment must place pressure on Sri Lanka. It should place targeted sanctions on army generals accused of war crimes, such as Shavendra De Silva.
Our Government should use trade restrictions on Sri Lanka until it recommits to UNHRC Resolution 30/1. It must deliver a political solution for the Tamil People.
I stand in solidarity with the Tamil people and their continued fight for accountability for mass atrocities. I support their struggle for a political solution; one that acknowledges the right to self-determination for all people on the island.