Don't give extremists the chance

JUL 2009

An aid worker from Hull and area, writes from Sri Lanka:

Friends,

Regarding the recent elections and the gains of the extremists in our islands, I would like to share with you my experiences of post-conflict Sri Lanka where I am a volunteer with a charitable organisation.

I don't know how it is here for the other aid workers, it is difficult to communicate because of how the government has occluded any just democratic activity. The ordinary people of the Sinhalese majority who were 'living' on such a peak of ecstatic nationalistic fervour (and very little else) after the defeat of the Tamil minority are now in deep fear of their own government. 

We (the aid workers) are being investigated and followed by the police (myself included) and dissent by the people is met with beatings, torture and murder (prominently amongst the journalists). Very recently the editor of the major newspaper 'The Sunday Leader' was murdered because of his dissent toward government, government policies and actions.

You may ask how do the virtual concentration camps filled with Tamil refugees, and the murder and rape by government troops in Sri Lanka tie with our islands? 

I ask you to remember this: that when the canvasser for the extremists comes knocking on your door at the next election, don't give her the chance to sell you back your soul as equity.

Yours sincerely,

Aid worker from Hull and area. 

Sunday Leader editor murdered (Guardian, Jan 8)

Martin Deane:      

01482 471467 | 07812 838701

106 Belvoir Street,

Hull, HU5 3LR

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