Historic show of strength in support of the victims of Sri Lankan Genocide of Tamils
Over 200,000 Tamils took to the streets of Central London, on Saturday 11 April 2009, in a peaceful protest march to show solidarity with their brethren in Sri Lanka and to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Sri Lanka. The event was part of the worldwide protest by Tamils against the international community’s inaction in the face of Genocide, with overwhelming evidence, demanding justice and urgent action from the International Community.

The march commenced at the Embankment beside the River Thames at 1pm and snaked through famous London landmarks of Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Park Lane and Marble Arch to reach the Hyde Park for a rally at 4.30pm. As the front of the march was reaching Hyde Park protesters were still joining the march near its starting point at Embankment.

Protesters of all ages including children waving Tamil Eelam National flags and flags of the Union Jack shouted slogans including, ‘Britain Act Now - Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Sri Lanka’, ‘Stop Killing Tamils’ and ‘Food & Medicine - Sri Lanka’s weapons of War’.

As with recent protests the second and third generation young British Tamils were at the forefront and orchestrating the protest. The ocean of red and yellow (Tamil Eelam national colours) accompanied by beating of drums, drew the attention of bystanders and tourists who photographed the march while many of them were curious to find out more about the protest.
"The largest gathering ever of Tamils in London where two in three Tamils in the UK took part is an indication of the outrage felt by Tamils at the Sri Lankan state for its genocide of Tamils and the International Community for their equally brutal inaction" said a spokesperson from the British Tamils Forum who organised the protest.

As another first for Tamil protests, all mainstream broadcast media and many of the print media and news agencies were present covering the event.
The Metropolitan Police provided assistance with efficient traffic control while showing sensitivity and respect for the feelings of this large and peaceful gathering of Tamils. “We have never seen anything like this before” said an officer in charge, overwhelmed by the orderly mannerism of such a mass number of protesters.....More photos , Press release

 Protest march in London against the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka, 11th April 2009 Speech by Suren Surendiran, BTF Chief Spokesperson

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