Eight Tamil prisoners receive presidential pardon for Diwali in Sri Lanka

Three were in prison for trying to assassinate former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga. To celebrate the Festival of Lights, young people from different religious backgrounds prepared meals for the poor. The event constituted a “very valuable” opportunity for participants.

Colombo (Asia News) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe pardoned eight Tamil prisoners on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali, known as Deepavali in Sri Lanka.

Three of them were convicted in connection with an attempt to assassinate former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga, who was asked to give her approval for the release.

Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksa explained that Tamil rebels were serving long sentences in various prisons, but this year they will be able to “reunite with their families to celebrate Deepavali".

President Wickremesinghe signed the relevant papers on 19 October after reviewing recommendations from the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of Justice.

Meanwhile, yesterday in Negombo, Western Province, a group of 40 young people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds prepared meals for the poor as a token of solidarity. The Sri Vimukti Fisher Women Organisation was behind the initiative.

This opportunity was "very valuable”, said Michelle, a young Sinhala Catholic woman. “Our youth group includes members from three ethnic groups and four religions,” she told AsiaNews. “Preparing meals together boosts unity and friendships among us," she added.

Shivaratnam Sulakshan, another member of the group, said he was very happy and proud to celebrate Deepavali this way. “I am a Tamil. All my friends are celebrating,” he explained. “Due to the current economic crisis it is very difficult for the poor to get a good meal.”

“I really appreciate the efforts of this community," noted project coordinator Sebastian Vincent. "I only created the bases they needed. They were the ones who suggested that we, as a youth group, celebrate Deepavali this way.”

• sri lanka
• diwali
• deepavali
• youth group
• help
• poor
• celebration
• economic crisis
• presidential pardon
• tamil prisoners