Washington, D.C. February 20, 2009 – Tamils Against Genocide is organizing a rally to urge President Barack Obama to end the genocide in northern Sri Lanka, where Tamils have been systematically attacked and brutalized since the government ordered international aid agencies out of the region last September. Tamil civilians have come under intensive artillery shelling, aerial bombardment and gunfire in the conflict zone in Vanni, with hundreds being killed daily.

The rally will be held this Friday, February 20th, from 11 am to 1 pm in front of the State Department, and from 1 to 4 pm in front of the White House.

Thousands of Tamil Americans and their friends will descend on D.C. to fast in solidarity with Tamils in Sri Lanka, who are experiencing a food crisis according to the World Food Programme. The Sri Lankan government has completely refused access to this region for humanitarian aid, food convoys, medical supplies, journalists and other international observers.

The Genocide Prevention Project has declared Sri Lanka to be on “Red Alert” along with Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 5 other countries due to the presence or likelihood of mass atrocity cries. The rally will showcase the desperate nature of the situation and plead for President Obama’s direct involvement in ending genocide on his watch.

Press are invited to attend the rally.