As we mark Tamil New Year - I want to send my warmest wishes to Tamil families here in Britain and around the world – Iniya Puthandu Vazthukal!
It’s a time for new beginnings, reflection, and hope. And for me, it’s also a moment to renew my commitment to advocating for the Tamil community across the UK.
As the first British MP of Tamil heritage, Tamil New Year holds personal meaning. Ours is a proud community and a story of strength and resilience. My parents, like so many families, fled Sri Lanka in search of safety - building a life from scratch in a new country with strength, sacrifice and determination. Their story is part of Britain’s story – and today, as their daughter and your MP, I carry their hopes and those of our community with me in Parliament.
Since being elected last July, I’ve worked hard to make sure our voices are finally heard at the heart of Government.
In one of my first acts as an MP, I called for Magnitsky-style sanctions against those accused of war crimes in Sri Lanka and I have not stopped working in this space since that day. After fifteen painful years, I’m proud that this Labour Government has now taken action. In March, the UK sanctioned senior Sri Lankan military figures responsible for atrocities committed during the civil war - a moment of recognition and resolve for so many families who have waited too long for justice.
But justice isn’t a one-time event. We must keep going. I’ve called for perpetrators to be referred to the International Criminal Court, echoing the UN High Commissioner’s recommendations. On Maaveerar Naal, I raised this directly with the Foreign Secretary in a public session of the Foreign Affairs Committee- because I believe in justice, truth, and accountability.
These are not abstract principles. For Tamil families, they are deeply personal. We remember the horrors of May 2009. The shelling of hospitals. The so-called “no-fire zones.” The thousands who disappeared. And the trauma still carried by a generation who saw the worst of humanity and survived it. We will not forget - and we must not stop pushing for answers.
Here in Britain, I’ve also championed the rights of Tamil refugees - including those left stranded in Diego Garcia for over 1,000 days. Under the previous Conservative Government, they were left in limbo. But after tireless campaigning, they’ve now been offered safe refuge in the UK. I spoke to the Tamil Guardian about what this means - restoring dignity and hope to those who’ve been through so much.
And I’ve worked to uplift our culture and identity too. From Tamil Heritage Month to Thai Pongal celebrations in Westminster, and this year’s incredible Downing Street event with the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, our community has been seen and celebrated like never before. That’s a change I’m proud to be part of - and one I’ll keep pushing forward.
Tamil New Year reminds us of who we are and what we stand for: resilience, justice, family, and hope. As your MP, and as the daughter of a community who rebuilt their lives in Britian, I promise to carry those values with me every day I serve.
From my family to yours - may this Tamil New Year bring you peace, progress and happiness.
Best wishes to all celebrating!
- Uma Kumaran is UK’s first ever MP of Eelam Tamil heritage