Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, is a longtime supporter of the Tamil community. Under his leadership, the Liberal Democrats have called on the Conservative government to recognise the crimes committed against the Tamil people as a genocide and for those who committed these crimes to be held to account.
He is clear: ‘We cannot end the search for justice.’ And I couldn't agree more.
The Liberal Democrats have always battled for the rights of individuals against oppression. If elected I will be a passionate advocate for the Tamil community, both in Carshalton and in Parliament.
The last five years have seen continued violations of Tamils’ human rights, especially in the north-east of Sri Lanka where there is an intimidating concentration of armed military. The Sri Lankan justice system is flawed and we have seen the use of deeply repressive practices, such as arbitrary detentions and arrests. All of this must stop.
The Liberal Democrats have called on the British government to use Magnitsky style sanctions against Shivendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff, and others like him. We support the introduction of a ‘presumption of denial of arms sales applications’ made by all governments including with the Sri Lankan government with poor human rights records and that any future financial assistance provided to the country should be linked to efforts to demilitarise the Tamil homeland.
We need to see a full commitment from the Sri Lankan government to programmes around truth and reconciliation, so that Sri Lanka can find a peaceful path to social harmony and economic stability.
And we must continue to pay tribute to the major contribution which Tamils make to the British economy and culture - in fields such as business, science, innovation and our NHS. In 2022, Ed Davey formally asked the Conservative government to create a ‘Tamil Heritage Month’ to celebrate the richness of Tamil culture and I was dismayed that the request was ignored.
I live in Carshalton with my wife Gemma and Chester, my dog. I was raised on a local council estate. Those days made me realise how important it is for local people to have a local champion to fight for them for the things which affect their daily lives. That’s why I became a Liberal Democrat councillor. That’s why I am fighting to protect the St Helier Hospital and to stop raw sewage being dumped into our beautiful River Wandle.
If elected, I will be a passionate advocate for the Tamil community - both in Carshalton & Wallington and in Parliament.
The Tamil Guardian contacted the Labour Party candidate for Carshalton and Wallington for an opinion piece but it was not provided ahead of publication.