Calls for the release of long-incarcerated Tamil political prisoners under Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were amplified in Araly this week, as residents took part in a symbolic “Freedom Water Collection” event at the Muthamizh People’s Community Centre.
The programme, organised by the Voice of the Voiceless movement, began with a two-minute silent tribute. Villagers, including children, then poured “freedom water” brought from their homes into a communal vessel, symbolising solidarity with those still imprisoned.
Among the participants were activist M. Komagan, students from the University of Jaffna, members of the “Siragugal” group, the Muthamizh People’s Community Centre, and local residents.
The campaign, which has already been launched across the Tamil homeland, is set to expand to Tamil diaspora communities worldwide. The collected water will be used to nurture a “Freedom Tree”, a living memorial to the struggle for justice and a continuing call to end the incarceration of political prisoners under the PTA.
The PTA, long condemned by human rights organisations for enabling arbitrary detention, torture, and abuse, remains a tool of oppression in the North-East, with Tamils languishing in prison for decades without fair trial.
