Tamil community want SL Mayor of Harrow to resign

Campaigners have urged Harrow Mayor  Kareema Marikar, to resign after she was photographed with senior military figures during her visit to Sri Lanka, Harrow Times reported on Monday.  

Councillor Kareema Marikar Sri Lanka Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake and Brigadier Priyanka Fernando during a trip to Sri Lanka last year.    She posted pictures of her meetings – in which she is wearing the mayoral chain – on social media alongside messages praising the soldiers for their service.   

However, Harrow Times said the members of the Tamil community in Harrow are upset at this representation, given the army officials’ involved.

“They were particularly disappointed given that Brigadier Fernando was found guilty of violating the Public Order Act when he made a throat cutting gesture at protesters – many of whom were Tamil – outside the Sri Lankan High Commission in London,” it said.    A petition with 49 signatures was handed to Harrow Council calling on Councillor Marikar to step down. 

 
It said, “Most Tamil residents in Harrow escaped the war and came to the UK as refugees, and they still carry the scars of that war which killed many of their kith and kin . “We believe Ms. Marikar’s judgement on this matter was very poor and her actions were offensive to the Tamil community she represents. in Harrow.