Balavarnam Sivakumar, an innocent young Tamil-speaking man was brutally beaten in the sea near Bambalapitya, on 29 October 2009. He was forced under the water until he eventually drowned. This horrific killing was filmed by a spectator and broadcast around the country. This caused outrage among those who stand for dignity and respect for human life. Further horror was felt when it emerged that the attackers were policemen.
The United Socialist Party (USP) and Democratic People’s Front (DPF) immediately condemned this attack and organised and participated in a protest as part of the ongoing battle to defend the Tamil-speaking people. Among those who participated were Mano Ganeshan MP and Siritunga Jayasuriya, secretary of the USP who expressed immense anger and outrage.
The USP has a long history of fighting for the rights of the Tamil-speaking masses. It has been campaigning for the right to live, the right to democracy, the right to free speech and the right to self determination.
Following are some pictures from the picket line.
