Responding to the arrest of Tamil civil society leader Velan Swamigal, British MPs have expressed their deepening concern over the continued persecution of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
On Twitter, Elliot Colburn, MP for Carshalton and Wallington and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, noted his concerns stating:
Last year I got to meet Velan Swamigal and hear about his work on Tamil rights. His arrest by the Sri Lankan authorities is incredibly concerning and worrying.
— Elliot Colburn MP (@ElliotColburn) January 21, 2023
It represents the latest brazen move by authorities in their campaign to silence those who speak up for Tamil rights.
The civil society leader was arrested alongside several other demonstrators on Sunday for reportedly "obstructing police duties" as they continued their protest against Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as he visited Jaffna. During the peaceful protests, Sri Lankan police attempted to break up the demonstrations through the use of water cannons and the erecting of barriers. Swamigal has since been released on bail.
Colburn’s statement follows that of MP for Mitcham and Morden, Siobhain McDonagh, who similarly stated on Twitter:
I condemn the arrest of Civil Rights Activist and Hindu Religious Leader Velan Swamigal by the Sri Lankan authorities for taking part in a peaceful protest during Sri Lankan President’s recent visit to Jaffna. Protesting peacefully is a fundamental human right.
— Siobhain McDonagh MP (@Siobhain_Mc) January 18, 2023
The statement comes as British MPs have repeatedly raised alarm over Sri Lanka's abhorrent human rights record. Labour leader, Keir Starmer, raised specific concerns over "the ongoing persecution of Tamils" during his Thai Pongal message and renewed his party's commitment to justice and accountability for Tamils. He was joined by a range of politicians from across the political aisle.
Davey's called the arrest of Velan Swamigal "disturbing". The leader of the Liberal Democrats noted he had asked the Foreign Secretary to communicate to Sri Lankan diplomats that the "harassment of civil society is unacceptable".
The arrest of Velan Swamigal in Jaffna is deeply disturbing and yet another attempt to intimidate those who speak up for the rights of Tamils.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) January 20, 2023
I've asked the Foreign Secretary to make clear to his Sri Lankan counterparts that this harassment of civil society is unacceptable.
Read more here: British MPs celebrate Thai Pongal and renew calls for accountability