The #Boycottlka campaign moved to the Kennington Oval in London, today. In the lead up to the highly anticipated International Cricket Champions Trophy match between England and Sri Lanka, several activists handed out leaflets amongst large crowds outside the Oval
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| Activist explains the importance of a boycott of Sri Lanka |
The Tamil activists faced new levels of intimidation outside the stadium, with Sri Lankan fans taking leaflets, ripping them up and throwing them back at the faces of activists. Intimidatory photography of activist’s faces was, once again, prevalent throughout the protest. Sri Lankan fans shouted,
“Show your face. These are for Sri Lanka”, as they took a close up photograph of activists.
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| Sri Lankan cricket fan photographs activists |
As a result the police presence was increased, to ensure that the activist's right to peaceful protest were upheld.
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| Police forces distance abusive Sri Lankan fans from activists |
Speaking to Tamil Guardian, an activist who wished to withhold her name, described the general response she was getting from the crowds,
“ People are generally very shocked when they hear about the Tamil plight. As soon as they hear that there is no accountability, justice or reconciliation for the Tamils, and that there are on-going human rights abuses, they seem to understand the importance of a Boycott campaign against Sri Lanka. They realise that it is a means of applying firm pressure on the Sri Lanka government to address the unacceptable subjugation of the Tamils in the North-East.”
Cricket fans ask about the campaign
An English cricket fan, after he had conversed with an activist, told the Tamil Guardian,
“ A boycott campaign of Sri Lanka is exactly what is needed to push for the restoration of human rights for Tamils in the north. Despite failing to effectively address the justice, accountability and reconciliation issues, Sri Lanka has felt no tangible repercussions from the international community”
Activists highlighted that the #Boycottlka campaign will also be raising awareness outside the Oval at Sri lanka’s next match in the tournament, against Australia, on Monday the 17th June at 11am.
See "#Boycottlka bowls over Cardiff" (09 June 2013)
See our twitter:@TamilGuardian for live coverage from today’s event.