GTF tribute to Sunila Abeyasekara
Monday, September 9, 2013
On the first day of the 24th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, we have lost one of the most ardent human rights activist, Sunila Abeyasekara, in Sri Lanka.
Sunila represented a unique voice from within the majority Sinhalese community. She fought repression of all forms, be it against Sinhalese, Tamils, women, Muslims and youth. She built an international solidarity network around the globe, which worked on issues of poverty, environment, labour, women’s rights, and emancipation.
“Tamils lost a rare voice of reason within Sri Lanka today. Sunila Abeyasekara fought for equality of all of the residents of Sri Lanka. She stood in solidarity with Tamils in our most trying times, and she stood for accountability and justice since the end of the war in 2009. I have lost a personal friend of 15 years. She has made this world a better place for all of us. May god bless her soul.”
Rev. Dr S.J. Emmanuel
President
Global Tamil Forum