Obituary, Death: Selvanayakam Pradeepan, 41, Tamil Man Killed in Jaffna After Sri Lankan Police Officer Kicks Motorbike Off Course
Selvanayakam Pradeepan, a 41-year-old Tamil man from Koppay South, Jaffna, met a tragic end after a Sri Lankan police officer kicked his motorcycle off course, resulting in a fatal collision with a concrete pillar. The incident occurred when Pradeepan allegedly failed to halt at a checkpoint in Jaffna, prompting the officer to block his path and kick the motorcycle, leading to the devastating crash.
Pradeepan was rushed to Tellippalai Hospital by bystanders, where he was pronounced dead upon admission. The officer suspected of causing the accident has been taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities, but many remain skeptical about whether charges will be filed or justice will be served.
This incident is the latest in a long line of human rights violations and police brutality against Tamils in Sri Lanka. In April, a Tamil man was beaten by police for requesting the return of his confiscated phone. In January, a young Tamil man who had just been released from Jaffna prison died under suspicious circumstances. In November 2023, a young Tamil man was tortured to death by Sri Lankan police.
The Tamil community has long been subjected to violence, torture, and impunity at the hands of Sri Lankan police and security forces. The lack of accountability and justice has perpetuated a culture of fear and oppression, with many Tamils living in constant fear of persecution and violence.
Pradeepan’s death is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in Sri Lanka, where Tamils continue to face discrimination, violence, and marginalization. The international community must take notice of these atrocities and demand accountability from the Sri Lankan government.
The Sri Lankan government must take immediate action to address the systemic issues of police brutality, torture, and impunity that have plagued the Tamil community for decades. This includes holding perpetrators accountable, providing justice and reparations to victims and their families, and implementing meaningful reforms to ensure the protection of human rights for all citizens.
The Tamil community mourns the loss of Selvanayakam Pradeepan, a victim of police brutality and impunity. His death must not be in vain; it must serve as a catalyst for change and justice in Sri Lanka.
The world must stand in solidarity with the Tamil community and demand an end to the violence, torture, and oppression that has been perpetrated against them for far too long. Justice and accountability are long overdue, and it is time for the Sri Lankan government to take action.
Selvanayakam Pradeepan’s memory will live on, and his death will not be forgotten. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that justice is served and that the Tamil community is protected from further violence and persecution.
Rest in peace, Selvanayakam Pradeepan. Your death will not be in vain; it will be a catalyst for change and justice in Sri Lanka.
