on the occasion of Diwali, presidential pardon for 8 Tamil prisoners

Three of them were in prison, accused of the attempted murder of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga. To celebrate the “Festival of Lights”, young people from different religious denominations prepared food for the poor. According to the participants it is a “valuable opportunity”.

Colombo (Asia News) – On the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali, called Deepavali in Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe pardoned eight Tamil prisoners. Three of them were in prison accused of the attempted assassination of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga, whose approval was required before proceeding with the release of the detainees.

Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksa explained that the Tamil rebels were serving long sentences in different prisons after being found guilty, but that this year they will be able to “gather with their families to celebrate Deepavali.” Wickremesinghe signed the amnesty documents on October 19, after considering the recommendations of 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 show of solidarity. The event was organized by “Sri Vimukti Fisher Women Organization”. Michelle, a young Sri Lankan Catholic, said this opportunity was “very precious” to them: “In our group there are young people from all three ethnic groups in the country and from four religions. The opportunity to cook meals together fosters unity and friendship among us,” he told .

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

“I really appreciate the efforts of this community,” said project coordinator Sebastian Vincent. “I just put together the basic facilities they needed. They were the ones who suggested that we as a youth group celebrate Diwali this way.”