Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) Member of Parliament Selvarajah Kajendren who visited the detainees in the Vedukkunaari temple arrest inquired why the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) did not launch an investigation, despite a formal complaint being lodged.

He questioned whether HRCSL was supportive of these illegal arrests and accusations. “I went to the prison to enquire about the wellbeing of the 8 devotees, five of them are fasting and today marks the third day of their hunger strike,” he told reporters outside the Vavuniya prison on Thursday. 

“Their health is deteriorating, some of them have ailments like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They were not subjected to a proper medical evaluation,” he said. “The HRC has been notified but they are yet to investigate or even inquire. This questions the role of the HRC and if they are complicit in these illegal arrests and accusations.” 

He further said that comments made by the Prison media spokesperson are contrary to the situation of the prisoners. “They have not eaten from the day they came to courts on Tuesday. This is their third day today.” 

“We call upon the Tamil diaspora to put diplomatic pressure on this matter and to bring it to the attention of relevant authorities.”

Kajendren was among those assaulted by the Sri Lankan police last Friday while attempting to observe Shivarathri at Vedukkunaari. Protests took place in Nedunkerny today against the arrest and detention of the devotees.