Availability for Comment : Dr Sam Pari, Official Spokesperson, Australian Tamil Congress
“Tamils fleeing Sri Lanka are legitimate in their fears of persecution by the Sri Lankan State. If these fears lead the Tamil people to ask for an Independent State, then the Sri Lankan State alone is to be blamed."
The Australian Tamil Congress completely rejects Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama's comments that Tamil refugees were seeking asylum for political purposes.
"Espousing for an independent homeland is not against the law," Tamil Congress Spokesperson Dr Sam Pari stated.
"The Tamil people are continuing to be treated like animals by the Sri Lankan government. Almost a year on, up to 300,000 Tamils are still unable to return to their homeland due to Sri Lankan military occupation. Over 11,000 Tamils, including over 500 children, are being detained by the military in undisclosed areas with no access to family, UN officials, lawyers or independent monitors."
"If the Tamil people continue to aspire for independence from the racist Sri Lankan regime, then the Sri Lankan regime alone is responsible for this aspiration,” said Dr Pari
Dr Sam Pari is available for interview on this topic Ph: 0433 428 967
