Sinhala hoodlums harass Tamil civilians in the name of victory celebration

[TamilNet, Thursday, 21 May 2009, 09:04 GMT]
Gangs of Sinhala youths holding Lion flags in hands in the name of victory against LTTE have been on the rampage, day and night, intimidating and harassing Tamil civilians in Colombo and its suburbs for the fourth day. Affected Tamil residents have complained to their respective police station. But the police have failed to take action to stop the harassment, civil sources lament.

Sinhala youths extort money by threat from Tamil civilians while they are walking along on main roads. In some instances they forcibly remove gold jewelry from Tamil women, and even they misbehave with Tamil women in public.

Mainly Tamil people residing in Wellawatte, Bambalapitya, Kotahena, and Mattakuli and in upcountry areas are subjected to intimidation and humiliation by the Sinhala hoodlums.

Shops and other business establishments run by Tamils are usually opened on Poya and Sunday holidays. But on Wednesday, which was declared special holiday to mark the victory against LTTE Tamils did not open their business establishments and shops.