Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM. Spokesperson, United Sri lanka Assn. Wellington NZ

To:Rt Hon Jacinda Arden,
Prime Minister of NZ.

Dear Prime Minister,

I write to you after much consideration , to record concerns  about NZ’s decision to grant  refugee status over a week ago, to a Sri Lankan couple, under surveillance of Sri Lankan security authorities, for having possible links to  Islamic terrorism.

This concern comes on the back of a granting of refugee status under similar circumstances to the one who then went on to commit the heinous crimes in the Auckland Super Market on the 5th of September . This was done, believing this man’s claim that he was under  unfair surveillance exercised by the SL authorities  for having links with Tamil Tiger  Terrorism. However subsequent events confirmed that this man’s claims were not truthful and any blame of SL authorities was unjustified. Subsequently when he was placed under surveillance of NZ Police. for Islamic radicalisation , it was found to be very difficult to do so leading to the heinous crimes of 5th of September ’21 referred to above.

These only go, among others to highlight the challenges the Sr Lankan authorities face to keep their people safe from  radicalisation by both of these groups and the untruthful nature of both of these groups.

Part of the reason for this letter is to highlight this to correct in NZ,  a commonly held misbelief,  that the Sri Lankan authorities unfairly treat those with alleged links to terrorism. In facts you may know that , SL has been under the censure of the UNHCR in Geneva for a number of years , based on such allegations, which many of us know to be  baseless. These experiences is further evidence of this.

The other reason for this letter to caution that the NZ authorities should not let their guard down in the exercises of appropriate surveillance of this couple for the appropriate length of time to spare NZ a repeat tragedy and spare the Sri Lankan community in NZ   the ignominy of a similar experience.

Thank you very much.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM
Spokesperson,
United Sri lanka Assn.
Wellington NZ