Media accused of not helping to build trust among communities

Forum for Life (FFL) described incident in July 1983 as a black mark in Sri Lanka's history.

Hundreds of Tamils were killed and thousands made homeless as the United National party (UNP) led government was accused of not taking measures to curb the violence.

Sinhala peace campaigners

The incident led to an exodus of Tamils from Sri Lanka and marked the hightening of a violent campaign by Tamil youths against Sinhala-majority governments.

We will not find a solution to the national question until the confidence among communities are re-established Rev. Fr. Thilak Iddamalgoda

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, campaigner and Attorney at Law Nimalka Fernando accused the present government of rousing Sinhala chauvinism.

She accused the mass media and other responsible parties of not working on to build confidence between Sri Lanka's communities.

Fighting for life

"Nobody reports that many among Sinhala community are also campaigning for peace," she told journalists in Colombo.

Not only Tamils and Muslims, Sinhala people are also affected by the ongoing military conflict, said Chamil Jayanetti.

	Jayanetti says all communities are affected by the war

"Sinhala people are also being abducted. The only choice is the fight for life," Jayanetti said.

Building confidence which was lost after Black July is among the main priorities of the current generation, veteran peace campaigner Rev. Fr. Thilak Iddamalgoda said.

"We will not find a solution to the national question until the confidence among communities are re-established," he said.