British Members of Parliament and political leaders have issued statements marking Mullivaikkal Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the tens of thousands of Tamils killed in May 2009 and renewing calls for justice, accountability, and peace.
In a message this morning, Uma Kumaran MP, the first British Member of Parliament of Eelam Tamil heritage, stated:
“Today, on Mullivaikkal – Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of the tens of thousands of Tamils who were killed in the final stages of the war in Sri Lanka.
Sixteen years on, there has been no justice for this genocide. The pain and trauma remain deeply felt and seared into our collective memories – families are still seeking justice, survivors still carry the weight of loss, and our Tamil diaspora globally will never forget. May 18th is a painful reminder for all of us of an unhealed wound and a cry for justice.
As the only British Member of Parliament of Tamil heritage, I carry with me not only the pride of our community’s contributions to British society but also the responsibility to speak up for truth, accountability, and human rights. The struggle for justice for the victims of Mullivaikkal is not just a Tamil issue – it is a humanitarian issue.
We must continue to support the voices of survivors and ensure that their stories are not silenced. We must continue to work towards lasting peace, justice, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. While the road to justice has been long and painful, the strength and resilience of our community, both here in the UK and around the world, show that hope endures. With every year that passes, the call for truth grows louder, and the demand for accountability strengthens.”“In Britain the Labour Government has made a significant step towards the pursuit of justice. In March of this year, the British Government imposed sanctions on key individuals implicated in human rights abuses and war crimes during the Sri Lankan civil war. The sanctions mark an important turning point – affirming that justice is not a choice, but a necessity. As the Foreign Secretary has stated, confronting past human rights abuses is crucial to fostering lasting peace and reconciliation, and it sends a strong message that impunity will not be allowed.
We will always honour the past, but we must also look towards the future with hope. A future where justice prevails, where the survivors' voices are heard, and where reconciliation paves the way for healing. A future where the generations to come will never forget but will also live in a world where their history is acknowledged, their dignity respected, and their rights upheld.
To all those marking this day – know that you are not alone. We remember. We mourn. And we will continue to fight for justice, peace, and accountability for all who have suffered. Our unity, our perseverance, and our collective voice and will to endure will carry us forward. Together, we can shape a future that honours the memories of those lost and ensures that such atrocities are never repeated.”
Andrew Rosindell MP, the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, added:
“Today, we pause to remember and honour the victims of the Mullivaikkal massacre, a dark and painful chapter in Sri Lanka’s history. Thousands of innocent Tamil civilians lost their lives in the final stages of the armed conflict, their suffering a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when human rights are disregarded and justice is denied.
As we commemorate this solemn anniversary, we must not only reflect on the immense loss of life but also reaffirm our commitment to truth, accountability, and reconciliation. The voices of the victims and their families deserve to be heard, and the international community has a moral responsibility to support efforts towards a lasting and just peace.
Today, I stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in the U.K. and around the world, as we remember those who perished at Mullivaikkal and work towards a future built on dignity, human rights, and justice for all.”
Louie French MP, Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, wrote:
“The Mullivaikkal Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day is an important date as we come together as a community to remember the tens of thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils who were killed at the end of the civil war.
I look forward to welcoming the British Tamil Community to Parliament and standing with them in their ongoing fight for accountability and justice.”
David Simmons MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, stated:
“The 18th of May is a day when we remember the Mullivaikkal Genocide and for many Tamil constituents of mine it is an important day to pause, remember and solemnly consider the impact this has had. It’s also important that we in Parliament consider the impact this has had for many people of Tamil heritage in the UK.
I am pleased to support my constituents in doing that.”
Bob Blackman MP, Member of Parliament for Harrow East, said:
“I am sorry I can’t be with you today because I am away at a conference but my thoughts are with the Tamil people who are commemorating the anniversary of Mullivaikkal massacre, with so many Tamils murdered at the end of the bloody civil war in Sri Lanka. Still the perpetrators of that massacre remain to be punished or brought to justice.
Now we must stand with the Tamil people across the world and say justice must be done and the perpetrators must be brought to account. Justice for those who lost their lives and indeed the families of those who lost their lives need to be protected. So please commemorate today. My apologies for not being with you.
Let us hope for peace across Sri Lanka and the rights of the Tamil people across the world.”
The Rt Hon Dame Theresa Villiers DBE, former MP for Chipping Barnet, wrote:
“The events at Mullivaikkal in 2009 amount to one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Many thousands lost their lives, trapped in a location that the Sri Lankan Government promised would be a ‘No Fire Zone’. Government forces subjected civilians in Mullivaikkal to relentless shelling. This was a mass atrocity. It is vital that the victims are never forgotten.
We need accountability for what happened. Those responsible should face justice for the crimes they committed. It is shocking that sixteen years on from this massacre, impunity continues for those who carried it out.
I want to pay tribute to the Tamil community whom I used to represent as MP for Chipping Barnet. Many of them have worked tirelessly to highlight the Tamil cause, to remember the victims of war crimes at Mullivaikkal and elsewhere, and to campaign for a better future for Tamils in Sri Lanka. They have a just cause and they continue to have my support.”
Elliot Colburn, former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, added:
“We meet again this year to remember the lives lost at Mullivaikkal and throughout the conflict in Sri Lanka. To this day, too many are still living without answers or justice, and Tamils continue to fight for peace and accountability.
As Chair of the APPG for Tamils for over 4 years, I was proud to lead so much of the work that led to the recent announcement of sanctions against those credibly accused of war crimes. Whilst I thank the Government for announcing it, we must not forget that all the work to compile the evidence, lay the groundwork and convince officials that sanctions were needed was done under the last Conservative Government.
However, in welcoming these sanctions, we cannot be complacent and take off the pressure. We need to ensure this results in action. Action to get answers on the missing. Action to bring those who committed genocide to justice. Action to secure a just and lasting peace. The UK must continue to work with its international partners, including in Canada, the USA and Europe, to bring this about.”