Tamil activists in the UK have joined organisers of the 'Boycott Sri Lanka Cricket' campaign in calling for calm at today's protest in Cardiff and condemning any suggestion of retaliatory violence or 'revenge'.
In a statement released yesterday British Tamils Forum said:
"There are real concerns for the safety of Tamil campaigners at the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka match, to be held in Cardiff tomorrow, Thursday 20 June. In the face of these concerns, British Tamils Forum urges those attending the demonstration tomorrow to display the same courage, dignity and restraint shown by the Tamil campaigners who were attacked on Monday night."
"The Sri Lankan fans – through their violence, racism and triumphalism – have demonstrated precisely why the international cricket community must boycott Sri Lankan cricket: to send Sinhalese society and the Sri Lankan State a clear message that their behaviour towards Tamils, both in Sri Lanka and around the world, will no longer be tolerated by the international community."
"In contrast, the Tamil victims of the violence showed dignity and courage on Monday – standing up to these thugs without rising to their provocation."
"We hope campaigners tomorrow will mirror the courage and restraint shown by those who were attacked on Monday ."
On Wednesday speaking to Tamil Guardian, one of the campaign organisers, Thusiyan warned against revenge violence.
This morning Thusiyan tweeted:
"@Thusi_Kumar: Spoke to @metpoliceuk regarding identified Sri Lankan fan who attacked #Tamils. Assured that CCTV being reviewed and action will be taken."
@Thusi_Kumar: Urge all #Tamils to stay calm. Anger understandable but violence is NOT the answer. @metpoliceuk have all the details [of Sri Lankan fans responsible for violence] so STOP sharing them.