“Amid the Sri Lankan government’s refusal to accede to a political solution and accountability for war crimes, and its continuing militarised repression in Tamil areas, cricket can no more be a unifying force across Sri Lanka’s communities than whale-watching, or any other human pastime.
“Sport is inseparable from politics. Nothing sends a clearer message of international abhorrence of a government’s conduct than when it is shunned by international sportspeople. Conversely, nothing gives a repressive regime greater legitimacy, and makes light of its brutal conduct, than continuing sporting links.
“Australia’s cricketers should take a principled stand in defence of human rights and justice, and boycott play with Sri Lanka until the government there conducts itself according to the rules of international society.
“In doing so, they will have the support of the Australian people, the Tamils, and all those the world over concerned with human rights, justice, and human dignity.”
- Tamil Youth Organisation, July 18, 2001. See the full statement here
Also, see here the International Crisis Group’s report on why, "two years after the end of the war, Sri Lanka is further from reconciliation than ever."
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