'End war, recognise right of self determination'-teachers

[TamilNet, Friday, 25 May 2001, 13:27 GMT]
"The war should be stopped. Tamil Students and teachers are suffering immensely because of this conflict. The Tamil people's right of self determination and their traditional homeland should be recognised", said Mr. S.Tharmarajan, the President of the Batticaloa branch of the Ceylon Tamil Teachers' Union, addressing the 'Upsurge' rally and conference in the eastern town Friday. The general secretary of the CTTU Mr. Mahasivam, in his address called on the Sri Lankan government immediately lift the proscription on the Liberation Tigers and begin peace negotiations with Norwegian mediation.

The conference concluded in the afternoon around 2.30 p.m.

More than three thousand teachers took part in the rally and conference of the Ceylon Tamil Teachers Union in Batticaloa today.

Teachers from all parts of the district gathered at the St. Cecelia's Convent in the town and marched in a mile long procession to the Devanayagam Hall around 9.30 a.m. Friday morning.









(Bottom right) Mr. S.Tharmarajan, the President of the Batticaloa branch of the Ceylon Tamil Teachers' Union, addressing the rally.