Published 00:01 BST. Updated 10:11 BST (more photos added)
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Tamil protesters gathered once again on Monday, to demonstrate against the arrival of Rajapaksa to the UK. Gathering outside the Park Lane Hilton Hotel since mid-afternoon, protesters shouted for several hours ceaselessly.
Holding placards denouncing him as a war criminal, protesters called on the British government to withdraw its invitation.
As the Tamil protesters gathered opposite the hotel, eye witnesses state that a coach was seen to arrive by the entrance of the hotel and drop off around 30 Sinhala pro-Rajapaksa supporters who came with Sri Lankan flags and banners expressing support.
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Although the supporters appeared to be chanting, it could not be heard amidst the protesters shouting.
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At 17:25 BST, the Sinhala supporters appeared to be packing up to leave when a diplomatic car, flanked either side by security vehicles sped out from the back entrance of the hotel.
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Several protesters told Tamil Guardian that Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife were seen to be "waving and grinning" at them as the car drove off, and expressed disgust at his behaviour.
"Is that what he calls 'reconciliation'?" said one protester.
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Protesters also reported that two unidentified persons were witnessed videoing the protest from inside the hotel.
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Prior to Rajapaksa's back-door departure, the hotel was teeming with police officers who had surrounded the premises from all sides.
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Front entrance of Park Lane Hilton hotel |
Road in front of hotel (building to the right) |
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A further protest has been planned by the TCC and BTF on Wednesday 6th June, when Rajapaksa is due to have a series of formal engagements.