August 2005

Dear NP Supporter,
Sri Lanka has shot into the world news again with Friday's tragic assassination of their internationally known Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, the most prominent person to be assassinated since the signing of the ceasefire. A state of emergency has been declared and there have been reports of house-to-house searches and arrests in parts of Colombo. The North and East, where NP has its field offices, have been quiet. Whether in Colombo or elsewhere, it is difficult to notice much change in the street.

Unfortunately, that's Sri Lanka - ceasefire or not, the killings go on. Almost anyone who has been resident or worked in North-East Sri Lanka for a year or more, including the entire NP team, has a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is no longer living because of this bloody war. Unlike Mr. Kadirgamar, these dead are seldom known outside the families or communities directly affected. You may visit a home and notice a garlanded picture on the wall or your host may mention a dead relative. Sometimes your only indication that a relative has been killed might be your realisation that there is one family member who is only referred to in the past tense. In one case, I discovered this truth when I remarked on an unusual shining motor bike parked in the family's sitting room, while the remainder of the family transport was parked outside. This was the family's memorial to a son who didn't come home from college one day.

In Sri Lanka, we are working with many courageous individuals who are struggling to find nonviolent ways to stop the violence. It's a slow and painstaking task for those lonely Sri Lankans trying to bring about such change. Coping by being careful about where you go, what you say, and with whom you associate is how these people are still alive today. Such self-preserving habits are no guarantee for longevity and they certainly don't bring to an end the killing and counter-killing.

Sometimes the only hope is the knowledge that the situation in Sri Lanka is not unique. Other communities in other parts of the world have emerged from oppression to justice, someday it will happen here too.

In such a context it seems almost churlish to mention that all of NPSL staff appear to be safe and well except for Angela who was admitted to one Colombo hospital today with severe headaches and Sjors, who was admitted to another Colombo hospital yesterday with suspected dengue fever.

Please help us turn the news of this violent act into an opportunity to educate others about the situation in Sri Lanka and the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce there, and renew your commitment to our cause with a donation in honor of those who quietly struggle every day: http://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/english/help/donation.asp

In Gratitude,

William Knox
NP Sri Lanka Project Director