Uthayasooriyan Family are on a train back to Middlesbrough (Posted 05/06/07)

The family have been released from Yarl's Wood and are travelling back to their home town

Uthayasooriyan family - still here: Thank you for your support with the campaign to stop the removal of the Uthayasooriyan family. The good news is that the removal has been cancelled and the family are still here! (Posted 04/06/07)

Uthayasooriyan Family belong to Middlesbrough

Please help stop the removal of the Uthayasooriyan family, Suntharalingam, Shanthini, and their two children, Anosha aged 8 and Anitha aged 4 (born in UK).

Detained on Tuesday 29th May they are due to be removed on Sri Lankan Airlines flight SL0506, departing 14:25 on Saturday 2nd June.

The family came to UK in January 2001, fleeing persecution as Tamils in Sri Lanka. They arrived only two months after the deadline for the 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, download 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 download 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: 0207 035 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