Young heroes sacrificed lives for a new country always among us
We will never forget our beloved young heroes who sacrificed their lives for the strong desire to create a new country and a new earth. The loving dedication of all of them will always live with us. Nothing compares to that sacrifice of lives. For that sacrifice, as much as we can, We are always there for you all of you at all times in the future.” said several leaders of the people’s struggle.
They said that during the meeting called to donate some financial aid to family members of the youths who sacrificed their lives in the initial struggle, due to the brutal attacks launched by the party members of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 09 in the struggle grounds, as well as the tear gas attacks, shootings etc. took place on the day of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s escape on July 13.
Shehan Malaka, one of the activists of the Peoples’ Struggle invited one family member to light a candle on remembering with great love all youth who sacrificed their precious lives on behalf of the millions of people who gathered at Galle face on April 09th, for that people’s hope, for that people’s freedom.
The meeting with the family members of the 8 deceased youths took place on November 28, at Maradana Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) and donated 18 lakh rupees to the family members of 07 of the 08 youths who sacrificed their lives as a help for their financial, educational and other needs.
“That sacrifice of life cannot be forgotten. It should always be remembered,” said Shehan Malaka, further saying that he had an opportunity to talk with some Sri Lankan friends living in Los Angeles, America regarding the struggle.
“And after two three rounds of Talks, they expressed their desire to provide some form of economic strength to the families of the youths who died during the struggle. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the team in Los Angeles who helped us to help you in some way, at this moment.”
Shehan Maleka further stated that “they expressed their willingness to help you in times of need.”
“They joined the struggle as young people who lived in a dark period in Sri Lanka, with great hopes of building the dark land into a bright land, a land where one can breathe freely.
“Once again we express everyone’s sorrow for the lost lives, unfortunately, we have lost their lives, but we believe that the spirit of their sacrifice will unite us in this struggle that is moving in a new way throughout the country to win the dream of all of us for free land”. Said Father Rohan Silva, director of CSR and an active contributor to the struggle.
Father Rohan mentioned that this struggle will not end until the political system, which has become corrupted, through structural change, is purified and everyone is committed to that end.
Also, he said that if there is anything to be done for you, we promise to get it done, especially with the help of our friends in Los Angeles.
“None of us would be happy to make such a monetary donation to you. It is just a monetary donation to express that we, the friends of Los Angeles, feel you in distress. We know that your lives need to be built. But in the future, we will be able to do something to build your lives, not to provide relief to you,” said Sister Deepa Fernando.
Also, on behalf of the relatives of the youths who lost their lives, the mother of Harsha Nadishan Jayaweera, who was shot dead by the bodyguard of MP Athukorala in Nittambuwa on May 09, showed a photo of him and said that her son lost his life because of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
She further expressed her gratitude to all those who provided financial support and stated that she will work in connection with the struggle to fulfill that dream for the sake of her martyred son.
