TFC Mutual Aid Fund

Sri Lanka is in an economic crisis, with many in the country screaming for the president's resignation. However, we know that the current economic crisis is not only a result of the Rajapaksa regime alone but countless ongoing neoliberal policies indoctrinated into the psyche of the Sri Lankan state since the mid-late 1970s. Economic policies that privatized public services, deregulated markets, and increased the gap between the rich and the working class. We see the videos and pictures of all the protests coming out of Sri Lanka in response to the increased cost of food, transportation and the lack of basic healthcare and electricity. But, with all the noise coming out of the Sinhala South, we cannot forget the deafening silence of the Sri Lankan masses when it comes to the grave human rights violations and systemic genocide that continues to plague Eelam Tamils. Historically, this economic crisis is no different than any other crisis in Sri Lanka; Tamils are always hit the hardest and used as scapegoats by those in power.

 

We saw the way our community rallied during COVID-19 relief. We want to bring that energy back to help Tamils in need, specifically in areas that are hit the hardest like Vanni, Batticaloa and Trinco.

 

How will we get the money to them? We have connected with Vidiyal, a local grassroots organization in these areas, to ensure our money will be utilized for their basic essentials and livelihood. Vidiyal is a grassroots organization that operates out of both Northern and Eastern Provinces and has been working tirelessly to provide the most vulnerable of our people with support. Vidiyal provides basic livelihood necessities, including dry rations, hygiene products for single-parent households and households led by women, and school supplies and bicycles for children—many of whom have lost their parents in the genocide and fight for liberation. It is also the same organization that we funded during the COVID-19 relief. Proof of funds gathered will be provided at the end of this campaign.

 

TFC is not a charity organization, but our goal has always been to help with the material grievances of our community as they come in the short and long term.

 

Our people need us, and although this does not fix the crisis, this relief will go a long way for Tamil families struggling to fulfill their basic needs. If you would like to donate, please use GoFundMe page. If you cannot donate please share widely.