Hundreds packed London’s Trafalgar Square today to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the 70,000 Tamil civilians killed during the brutal end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009.
“Never Again”: Emotional Vigil Demands Justice
The annual event, organised by the UK Tamil diaspora, saw survivors, community leaders, and human rights campaigners unite with candlelit vigils and powerful speeches. Protesters brandished placards saying “Justice for Tamil Genocide Victims”, “Never Forget Mullivaikkal”, and “UN, Where Are You?” – calling out the international community to act.
The sombre gathering observed a minute’s silence at 6pm, followed by the lighting of memorial candles. Young Tamil speakers passionately urged the UN to launch independent probes into alleged war crimes and ongoing discrimination by the Sri Lankan government.
MPs and Human Rights Groups Join Outcry
The event drew attention from British MPs, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, and Amnesty International UK. Leading the calls, MP Siobhain McDonagh said:
“The world must no longer turn a blind eye to the suffering endured by the Tamil people. Recognition, truth, and justice must follow remembrance.”
Global Outpouring for Tamil Genocide Recognition
Tamil communities worldwide—from Toronto to Sydney—held similar remembrances as part of an international push to have May 18 officially recognised as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. Canada led the way in 2022 as the first nation to do so. Campaigners here hope the UK Parliament will soon follow suit.
Event Details
- Where: Trafalgar Square, London
- When: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Organisers: British Tamil Forum, Tamil Youth Organisation UK, and fellow diaspora groups
