Lone protester at airport arrival

Press, 20 August 1983, Page 8

Lone protester at airport arrival

A lone protester marked the arrival at Christchurch yesterday of the Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Tyronne Fernando. The protester, his face masked by a balaclava, and carrying a placard that called on Mr Fernando to “Introduce human rights for Tamils in 5.L.,” stepped into the path of the car carrying the Minister, forcing it to stop briefly. He was bustled out of the way by one of several policemen who appeared as the official party drove out of the gate at the end of the international terminal.

The protester, a University of Canterbury student and a New Zealand citizen, although born in Sri Lanka, did not want to be named for fear of retribution against relatives in Sri Lanka.

The aim of his protest, he said, was to highlight the racism and human rights violation against the Tamils in Sri Lanka. He was taken to the police office at the airport but no charges were laid. The placard was confiscated.

Asked if he felt the protest was successful, the student said he had made his point “I confronted him (Mr Fernando) and let him

know what was in my mind."

Four other protesters, who planned to join him at the airport, were unsure of the route the official party would take from the aeroClane, he said. They also ad placards with the slogans, “Stop murdering Tamils,” and “Bring the murderers to justice,” but did not have time to unwrap them before. Mr Fernando left.

Other Tamils in Christchurch had refused to join the protest because of pos-

sible retribution to their families in Sri Lanka.

Amnesty International had indicated it would support the protest but had decided not to become involved in political action, said the student.

Many of his relatives in Sri Lanka were in hiding after their houses had been ' burnt.

“I just hope he (Mr Fernando) does not find out my name because it would mean trouble for them,” he said.

The police had wanted to know whether he belonged to any organisation and his reasons for protesting. They had respected his request for anonymity. Mr Fernando visited Burnside High School after leaving the airport. His daughter, Tehane, who is in the eighth grade at school, the equivalent of the fourth form, accompanied him.

Last evening Mr Fernando was the guest of honour at a dinner given by the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch, Sir Hamish and Lady Hay.

The student said that further protests might be made before Mr Fernando leaves Christchurch tomorrow.