TNA MP pledges to join hunger strike

Tamil National Alliance MP and spokesperson M.A. Sumanthiran called on the Sri Lankan government to release all political prisoners, as he visited hunger strike inmates at the Anuradhapura Prison.

Mr Sumanithran, accompanied by Provincial Council members Asmin Yakoob and Sanankiyan Sayandan, demanded the government release the prisoners as agreed and stated if there was no response in the coming days, he too would join the prisoners in their hunger strike, according to a TNA press release.

36 Tamil inmates are on hunger strike in the Anuradhapura Prison and two inmateshave been hospitalised so far. Over 200 Tamil political detainees across the island started a hunger strike on Monday, demanding they be released.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Law and Order Minister Thilak Marapana and Minister Mano Ganesan are to meet with the Attorney General and discuss the issue. It is reported that President Maithripala Sirisena would take a decision on Tamil political prisoners detained in jails across the island, after a report on the issue is compiled and submitted to him.

The government response comes as over 200 Tamil inmates started a hunger strike across the island. Demonstrations organised by the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), took place in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi.

Protests in support of the prisoners and calling for their immediate release, have also been held in the North-East.