The Sri Lankan community in Auckland joined the uprising trend to protect Sri Lanka in this final hour. They organized two massive campaigns on the 21nd and 22 in Auckland. The first event was coordinated by the Shakthi Foundation. They organized a motor parade.It was well attended with over 60 cars decorated with Sri Lanka flag. Each car also carried two or three posters about the war in Sri lanka.

The second event was organized by the United Sri Lanka Association. It was a tremendous success with the participation of over 400 patriotic Sri Lankans. The event was well coordinated but LTTE supporters attempted many times to provoke the Sri Lankan participants.

There were about 10 to 15 cars decorated with the LTTE posters continued riding infront of the demonstrators right till the end to sabotage this peaceful event. In one instance a car carrying pictures of the leader of LTTE stopped right in front of the crowed and a LTTE supporter came out of the car and shouted at the Sri Lankans. The Police intervened and dispersed LTTE supporters.

On a personal note, I do not think we can make a difference in Sri Lanka by organising such protests. And New Zealanders donot know head or tail about this conflict nor they care. But this protest showed the solidarity and unity of Sri Lankans.

I donot understand why LTTE supporters wanted to sabotage this event. As much as they we also have the right to protest in what we believe in. I dont think any Sri Lankan prevented or tried to provoke or sabotage one or many of their protests.

But it was kind of fun to see LTTE suppoters get pi$$ed off!!!... :):)))