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Sri Lanka: "Children of war" documentary recounts a country’s grief
by Melani Manel Perera
"Freedom speaks" is the work of a group of young people from the film industry, all born during the conflict and witnesses of violence and atrocities. It is a investigative documentary, in which protagonists of both sides speak.
Colombo (AsiaNews) - "Freedom Speaks" is the title of a documentary produced by a group of young people working in the film industry in Sri Lanka, based on eyewitness accounts of the war. "The remarkable fact is that each source is identified and authenticated to provide credibility to the story. The documentary sends a loud and clear message and it is directed toward Western audiences”, says Gomin Daysari, a lawyer with extensive experience as he presented the key note speech. The secretary of Defense Ministry Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also present.
The documentary directed by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa and screenplay by Jeevan Chandimal, reveals the tremendous and unprecedented experiences of the innocent Tamil people, whose lives were torn apart for three decades by war and terrorism. The work is intended to make people aware that "the world, without knowing it, has supported terrorism in Sri Lanka. It is a stand against lies spread maliciously by evil individuals and organizations who want a return of the war. It is to ease the agitated minds of all Sri Lankans watching this unholy campaign against them helplessly, "said the director, Suneth Malinga.
The documentary was created by children of the war as all members of the production team were born during the conflict. "Our first memory of violence was born with the riots of 1983. Since then we have grown up with violence in an atmosphere of fear and tension, "said the director. "We saw villages massacred, bombs exploding, our relatives and friends killed in terrorist attacks. Until very recently we have not known what peace is. We did not think it was possible. Here, in the south, we had many Tamil friends, and we never hated each other. "
"We had no idea why this war has continued for 30 years, and what made our brothers and sisters in the north become suicide bombers, and why they murdered innocent civilians. Not until we met them and traveled to this unknown part of our country. And we also met the soldiers who fought against this unscrupulous terrorist group and freed the country. And we discovered the shocking truth behind this tragedy that has torn our lives, "said Malinga. The group’s documentary work will continue in the future.