For those who were unable to attend the candlelight vigil last Thursday night, Pam – a close friend of Ranjini’s – wrote this very touching and inspiring speech which was read to the crowd of over 300 people.
Click here for
I saw Ranjini, her husband and 2 boys for the first time since their Easter wedding when I
visited Villawood Detention Centre on the weekend. We talked for hours, laughed and shared
memories of their wedding. We cried too. The big smile was still there, the kind, gracious,
generous and brave woman was still there , but behind the eyes there was much sadness. She
told me again how hard her life was in Sri Lanka, how happy she was in the community in
Brisbane and trusted and respected the Australian ways. But now she feels confused and sad.
Ranjini and her newly wed husband have no privacy at Villawood, no outlet to comfort each
other, no tender moments together, to kiss or hug as they are under constant watch. They
meet in a common room.
Parenting is very hard for them, there is no consistency with Ganesh returning to Melb for
work after visiting. The boys ask the security guards ‘Can you bring my dad to stay with us’
Why not’ what happened’ what did I do wrong’ When can i bring a friend over to play ‘When can
we go home’
The boys got angry with Ranjini when she was too sick to come to the common room to see
Ganesh. They didn’t understand , she said. He was allowed one minute by his wifes bedside.
Ranjini’s face lit up when I showed her a bundle of cards and letters supporters had written
We shared a book on HOPE. She wanted me to tell you how grateful she is for all the kindness
and support you have shown her
‘A HERO IS JUST AN ORDINARY INDIVIDUAL WHO FINDS THE STRENGTH TO PERSEVERE IN SPITE OF
OVERWHELMING OBSTACLES’
Continue to fight for justice until Ranjini is released
As Gough Whitlam would say’ MAINTAIN YOUR RAGE’
It was an amazing night, our friends at actually ran out of candles – they have some photos up in their . You can also read Benjamin Millar’s article about the vigil at the .