The family came to UK in January 2001, fleeing persecution as Tamils in Sri Lanka. They arrived only two months after the deadline for family amnesty.

Their claim for asylum was refused and all rights to appeal refused in September 2004, on the grounds that it was safe for the family to return. The Internet has many reports of violent incidents against Tamils in the North of Sri Lanka where they come from, and Sri Lanka has been taken off the 'white list' of safe countries. In spite of this, people are still being returned.

In January 2006 a fresh appeal was made as the elder daughter, Anosha, was diagnosed as suffering from epilepsy. She is under the care of specialists at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, and Newcastle, and is taking ongoing daily medication to prevent severe seizures.

Sri Lanka at the moment is one of the most dangerous places in the world

US/Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Sri Lanka 2006
The government's respect for the human rights of its citizens declined due in part to the breakdown of the Cease-Fire Accord (CFA). Credible sources reported human rights problems, including unlawful killings by government agents, high profile killings by unknown perpetrators, politically motivated killings by paramilitary forces associated with the government and the LTTE, and disappearances. Human rights monitors also reported arbitrary arrests and detention, poor prison conditions, denial of fair public trial, government corruption and lack of transparency, infringement of religious freedom, infringement of freedom of movement, and discrimination against minorities. There were numerous reports that armed paramilitary groups linked to government security forces participated in armed attacks, some against civilians and the recruitment of child soldiers.  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78875.htm

The family will be returned to Colombo. Travel from Colombo to their area is restricted. They do not speak Sinhalese. The hospitals in Colombo are Sinhalese, 'first class' i.e. expensive, and have only one paediatrician.

If they are able to reach their own area, they not only fear for their lives because of the violence there, but the area is under travel restrictions and curfews. This means if Anosha has a seizure during the night, which is the pattern of her seizures, they will be unable to access medical help.

Suntharalingam and Shanthini are polite and gentle people. They have settled in Middlesbrough and the children are happy at school. They are respected and liked in the community and want only to bring up their family in peace and safety.

What you can do to help
1) Fax J. Wijesinghe Manager UK & Ireland Sri Lankan Airlines, using the model fax 'SriLankaAirlines.doc' attached, which you can copy/amend/write your own please ensure inclusion of Sri Lankan Airlines Flight SL0506, Departing Saturday 2nd June 2007, at 14.25

Fax: 020 8572 0808 from outside the UK + 44 20 8572 0808

2) Fax Liam Byrne MP - Minister for State for Nationality, Citizenship & Immigration using the model fax LiamByrneMP.doc asking that Uthayasooriyan Family be allowed to remain in the UK. You can copy, amend or write your own version - please quote their Home Office Ref: U1013748

Fax: 020 7035 4745 (+ 44 207 035 4745 from outside the UK)

Please copy letters and faxes sent to:
Uthayasooriyan Family Campaign
C/o Helen Weir
 helen_weir@hotmail.com
078 4974 1885

End of Bulletin:

Source for this Message:
Uthayasooriyan Family Campaign