Sri Lankan activists take to the streets in support of Indian farmers
Solidarity protests are held in 12 Sri Lankan locations to show solidarity with Indian farmers fighting against agricultural reform. In a globalised world that exploits those who have less resources, the struggle of Indian farmers is “valid for all”, an all-out fight against the “neo-liberal policies” of international trade organisations.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Sri Lankan activists, workers and civil society groups took to the streets in 12 different locations in the island nation yesterday, India’s Republic Day, to show their solidarity with Indian farmers who are protesting against their government’s agricultural reform.
“This is a battle not only in India but also ours too,” shouted the Sri Lankans (pictured) who took part in the protest action organised by the Indian-Sri Lankan People's Solidarity movement.
“This protest organised by us all over the country is aimed at publicly expressing our strong opposition to the steps taken by the Indian government to destroy the lives and lands of farmers,” said Kumara and Chinthaka Rajapaksa, coordinators of the movement, speaking to AsiaNews.
The demonstrations touched various regions and the main cities, including Jaffna, Trinco, Hambantota, Ampara, Gampaha, Hatton, Negombo, Nuwaraeliya, Maskeliya, Vavunia, Hindurakgoda and Panama.
For Herman Kumara, who is also the national coordinator of the National Fisheries Solidarity Organization (NAFSO), “This is one of the decisive campaigns against globalisation and global capital which destroy people, their livelihoods and the environment. So, we decided to launch a campaign in solidarity with them as concerned Sri Lankan citizens.”
According to his colleague Chinthaka Rajapaksa, moderator of Monlar (Land and Agricultural Reform Organization), “the Indian struggle” clearly shows “that the government machinery is deliberately deviating from the process of protecting” its citizens.
“This is happening not only in India, but especially in the international arena, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation, which are constantly trying to create space for the global market to operate freely.”
This campaign, Kumara adds, is a way to awaken producers and allow them to join forces in this battle. “We all fight united against injustice, human rights violations and discriminations against [the weak part of] humanity.”
Speaking about the campaign “Our support for the battle of the Indian farmers,” the Indian-Sri Lankan People's Solidarity movement made it “clear that we are no longer victims of the neo-liberal project. We [. . .] fight together on a global scale, not just Indian or Sri Lankan. Accordingly, their struggle is not only theirs but also ours.”
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26/03/2021 16:18
