Screening of “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields” at the Capitol Visitors’ Center this Friday

Published On Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Tamil American Peace Initiative commends Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, International Crisis Group, Open Society Foundations and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for hosting an important screening of “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields,” – a documentary production by Britain’s Channel 4 – which sheds light on the atrocities committed against civilians during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s decades long civil war.

Please see the official announcement below for more details and we hope you are able to attend this event.

Capitol Hill Screening of “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields” Documentary

Co-Hosted by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International-USA, the International Crisis Group, and Open Society Foundations in conjunction with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International-USA, the International Crisis Group, and Open Society Foundations invite you to the Capitol Visitors’ Center on Friday, July 15th, at 3pm, to view and discuss the harrowing documentary, “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields.” First aired on British television in June, “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields” captures, through live footage and extensive interviews with witnesses, the atrocities committed against civilians during the Sri Lankan Armed Forces’ final campaign to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in early 2009. The film was recently screened to wide acclaim at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, and has fueled renewed calls for an international response to these crimes.

U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, will give introductory remarks before the film screening. After the film, panelists will discuss ongoing efforts to further accountability in Sri Lanka, including the findings of the recent U.N. Panel of Experts report on war crimes in Sri Lanka, and the U.S. response to these developments.

WHEN: Friday, July 15, 2011, 3-5 p.m.

WHERE: Capitol Visitors’ Center, Congressional Auditorium and Atrium (for directions and a map go to: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/ )

Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.