Bishops across the North-East called on Sri Lanka’s protestors to “ accommodate the political demands and aspirations of the Tamils” and commemorate Tamil Genocide Day tomorrow.

The religious leaders said they “vehemently condemn the state-orchestrated violence unleashed on the peaceful protesters and are deeply concerned about the unprecedented humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sri Lanka”.

The statement released by the Bishops’ Council of the North-East earlier today went on to add,

“The collective cry for a structural change should accommodate the political demands and aspirations of the Tamils. The distinct differences of the communities in Sri Lanka is to be appreciated in place of constructing ‘the other’ as the threat to the existence of the majority.”

“Acknowledging the truth is the first step, while committing to address the root cause of the problem in order to move forward is primary, for the economic-political crisis cannot be treated in isolation. We need to acknowledge the fundamental connection between the political structure and the economic realities of the present.”

“We, therefore, appeal to all who love and respect humanity to honour on May 18 the memory of those killed in the genocide perpetrated btty the State and its military machinery,” it concluded.

Read the full text of the statement here.

Tamils around the world will commemorate Tamil Genocide Day tomorrow, marking 13 years since the Sri Lankan military massacred tens of thousands of Tamils.