Tamil hunger strikers dedicated to goals

LONDON, May 16 (UPI) -- One of five individuals conducting a hunger strike in London said Saturday they will remain steadfast until the world learns of the plight of the Tamil people.

Nimalan Seevaratnam, a Tamil demonstrator camped in London's Parliament Square, said he and his fellow protesters will shun food until attention is given to the needs of his people in Sri Lanka.

"We will stay until the world learns of the genocide in Sri Lanka and until the Tamils get the food and medicine they need," Seevaratnam told The Times of London.

The Times said British officials are attempting to find a way to end the hunger strike and demonstration.

But Seevaratnam insists the Tamil people will not be silenced, especially not through the actions of the Sri Lankan government.

"The Sri Lankan government think they have destroyed the freedom of the Tamil people," he said of the civil war apparently nearing its end in his homeland. "All they have done is pour petrol on it."