British Tamils rallied in solidarity with Tamil families of the disappeared across the North-East as they mark 1000 days in their roadside protest. 

The rally, held outside Downing Street, saw British Tamils gather, chanting slogans and holding placards denouncing the Sri Lankan government’s inaction and broken promises.

Attending the rally, Paul Scully, parliamentary candidate for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park, said “it is painful to hear these stories over and over again. There are so many people in the North and East who have been protesting for 1000 days. It really is a testament to their dedication and their commitment to get answers.”

Speaking to Tamil Guardian, Nilani Baskaran and Suganthini Kandasamithurai, said they attended the rally in support of Tamil people and to show to the international community the struggles faced by the Tamil community in the homeland. “If we stayed at home, no one would know our struggle,” Nilani said. 

Addressing the crowd, Theepan, spoke about his aunt, Annapooranam, who died last year during her search for her son,Nadarajah Jeevaratnam. Theepan told Tamil Guardian that Jeevaratnam was abducted from his house in 1996 by a group of armed soldiers. To this day, Theepan and his family are unaware of Jeevaratnam’s whereabouts. 

For 1000 days, families of the disappeared have been protesting in the streets across the North-East, demanding to know the whereabouts of their loved ones. Despite years, sometimes decades, of various government mechanisms and pledges, their search for answers continues.