Sri Lankan Tamils

There is a war of words coming out of Sri Lanka to deny that Tamils are persecuted and at risk there. This interview on Lateline saw Dr Palitha Kohuna, Sri Lanka's permanent representative on the UN claim that the Tamils coming to Australia are just economic refugees. He made claims that they could go to India 22 miles away but forgot to mention that the Sri Lankan Navy patrols those 22 miles strenuously, turning back and shooting down boats attempting to cross. He forgot to mention the 100 police posts in Tamil nadu to turn back any refugees attempting to enter. He also forgot to mention that there are an estimated 300,000 SriLankan Tamils living in camps in Tamil Nadu. Imagine Australian hysteria if we had similar numbers. Look at the money being spent to stop a few hundred. http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?209427

Sources in Colombo point out that more than 4,000 people are waiting at Mannar on the northern coast of Sri Lanka to cross into India’s territorial waters. But there are far too few boats to ferry them across. Even those who attempt the journey across the Palk Straits are dissuaded by Indian navy’s patrol boats. In the inability of the thousands of people to make the passage lies the new political game being played by New Delhi, Colombo, Chennai and Jaffna.

The influx of Lankan Tamil refugees shows a sharp spurt whenever the battle hots up in Jaffna. But this time around the influx is surprisingly way below normal. Till now, only 114 people have managed to cross the Straits, with the coast guard and navy having strengthened their vigil.

As we well know, there is truth and then there is this brand of communication called "poli speak" which has little relation to truth.

Palitha Kohona also forgot to mention that he holds dual citizenship - Australian and SriLankan and that he was a career bureaucrat in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). Not a sin but reason to question the links and deals between Canberra and Colombo.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/sri-lankas-war-on-the-tragic-truth/story-e6frg6zo-1225771253408

He is not everyones cup of tea - see UK refuse visa   http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=30206

Dr Kohuna spoke of the many businesses run by Tamils in Colombo but he forgot to mention that under the PTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) they are ordered to register, that their houses are being checked in house to house surveillance by police. http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=30584

Pamela Curr
Campaign Coordinator
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre