, love the Tamil people

Date: 27 April 2013 Time: 4 - 5pm Venue: Hong Lim Park

, Speak in Tamil and

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this an event for the Tamil people of Singapore to show their solidarity with the Tamil people of Sri Lanka, who are experiencing this miscarriage of justice? Ans: No. This is an event for all citizens of Singapore, regardless of race, language or religion, to express that it is unacceptable for the Government of Sri Lanka to treat its citizens in such manner. 2. Why then is this event held in April, when the Tamil language is celebrated? Ans: Because it is an apt reminder that those who speak that language which we celebrate in Singapore, is an official language of Singapore, are being persecuted. 3. Are you saying that we should not celebrate the Tamil language in the month of April because the people who speak this language are treated badly? Ans: Of course not. We think that the Tamil language, just like the rest of the official languages of Singapore, Mandarin, Malay and English, and the unofficial dialects like, Singlish, Hokkien, Teochew, etc, should be celebrated. For only in celebrating the language can any language continue to be a living language. But even as we celebrate these languages, we cannot forget the plight of those who speak these same languages elsewhere. We were outraged when the massacre happened in Tiananmen Square, we rendered our help when the Tsunami ravaged the coastlines of Indonesia and Malaysia. This should be no different. 4. Which organisation is planning this event? Ans: This event is not planned by any organisation, but by concerned individuals. 5. What are your demands? Ans: In standing with the international community who are outraged by this miscarriage of justice, there is a need to put forth 3 demands: I. That the internally displaced persons who are detained in various camps in Sri Lanka against their own will, with concerns of safety and security for women and children especially, be allowed and assisted to be relocated to their own lands.

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That a United Nations led international probe be launched to investigate the alleged war crimes by the Sri Lankan army as well as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. That the Government of Singapore, being a respected voice in the international community, speak up on the side of right and justice and issue a statement in support of demands I and II above.

6. How can we participate in this event? I. We are requesting that a vow of silence ( ) be observed for any duration of time between 5 pm, 26 April to 5 pm, 27 April 2013 (e.g. for one hour, from 9 am - 10 am, or for 3 hours from 7am to 10am, etc);and That you take a picture of you observing this vow of silence and post to our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/events/518544911517818; and/or That you join us from 4pm to 5pm on 27 April 2013 to observe this vow of silence, and to break this vow at 5pm by greeting each other with, 'Let's speak in Tamil and also love the Tamil people'.

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7. What do you intend to do with this show of solidarity? Ans: We intend to send a short notice after the event to the Sri Lankan Government, to the United Nations Human Rights Council, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that XXX number of citizens have observed this vow of silence to stand in solidarity with the international community to press home the demands made in FAQ #4, and for these bodies to act in the interest of the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. 8. For further information on this event? Ravi Philemon ravi@raviphilemon.net mobile: 83537608