The Hindu Federation of Switzerland has condemned the arrest of the eight Tamils at Vedukkunaari Hill Athi Sivan temple and the ongoing attempts by Sri Lanka's archaeology department to acquire places of religious worship belonging to the Tamil Hindu community. 

The statement comes as Tamils across the homeland protest against the unlawful arrest of eight Tamil men who participated in the observance of Shivarathri at Vedukkunaari Hill Athi Sivan temple in Vavuniya North. 

Commenting on the Sinhalisation of the North-East, the federation said that they "condemn the continuous land grabbing attempts by the government through the archaeology department that has taken place with the assistance of the police and army.” The federation cites that the government is attempting to take over places of historical and religious value to Tamils so they can convert them to Buddhist sites. 

The Athi Sivan temple atop the Vedukkunaari mountain in Vavuniya, has been a place of worship for Tamil people for many generations but the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka has declared it to be an ancient Buddhist site. 

In their statement, the federation delves into the historical context of Shaivism and added that Hindu temples are scattered across Tamil Eelam which are strongly tied to the Eelam culture and life.

“Even though many of these places were destroyed during the colonial rule, we have made every effort to rebuild them and continue our traditions. These places are revered for their significance and we endeavour to protect them even today," the statement reads. 

The statement went on to say that ever since Sri Lanka gained its independence from British rule in 1948, the Sinhalese-led governments have led the oppression of Tamil people in numerous ways.

“These Sinhalese-led governments intend on distorting the religion, culture, and traditional lifestyle enjoyed by the Tamil Eelam by destroying what’s left of ours,” they said.

“The genocide carried out by these governments continues to date and we continue our non-violence struggle for more than three decades to preserve what's left.” 

The statement also noted that 15 years have passed since the Mullivaikkal genocide, which was the biggest ethnic cleansing of Tamil people perpetrated by Sri Lanka. The federation added that although it has been 15 years since the Mullivaikkal genocide, there has not been any justice for Tamils. 

Read the full statement here.