Unitedly and strategically working for betterment of Tamil people is the need of the hour: GTF

The Global Tamil Forum (GTF), an umbrella organization of Tamil diaspora outfits across the globe said it joins Tamils worldwide in commemorating the 12th anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. The final phase of the war is one of the most brutal in recent history and mass atrocity crimes were systematically committed against the Tamil people.

It is estimated that 40,000 to 70,000 Tamil civilians were killed in the final months alone, and this constitutes only a fraction of the total deaths, destruction and displacement suffered by the Tamil community during its 70-year political struggle for equality and justice in Sri Lanka, according to a statement issued by the body.

“GTF is conscious that death and destruction in Sri Lanka is not restricted to the Tamil community alone and it pays tribute to all those who suffered enormously due to the violent ethnic conflict,” GTF said.
It is tragic that twelve years after the end of the war, Sri Lanka is still struggling to come to terms with its past.

“The Sri Lankan government, not only denies that serious crimes were committed by its armed forces (though the whole world knows the truth), also, attempts to deny the self-evident truth that the armed conflict in Sri Lanka was an outcome of the systematic discrimination, marginalization and violence the Tamil community was subjected to,”

GTF also noted that the Tamil community also need to reflect deeply - its political history and its successes and failures - and acknowledge the pain and suffering endured by all communities due to actions carried out on behalf of them.

“The unconscionable approach and attitude the Sri Lankan government has adopted towards the minority communities that has led to the destruction and desecration of the Mullivaikal Memorial Monuments on the eve of the Annual Remembrance Day – one of the most barbaric acts any decent human being can contemplate.”