Fundraiser for Tamil Refugee Uthayakaran’s Funeral

We are reaching out to you in a time of great sorrow and need. Uthayakaran Periyathamby, a 53-year-old refugee who came to Australia in August 2012, has tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances. Uthayakaran was briefly held at the Nauru detention center before being released into the community on bridging visa, where he lived for the past 12 years.

Despite his long stay and deep integration into our community, Uthayakaran was continually denied a protection visa, separating him from his beloved wife and two children who remain in Sri Lanka. He fled the horrors of the war in Sri Lanka seeking safety and a better future, but visa issues kept his family apart.

The challenges faced by Uthayakaran reflect a broader crisis among refugees in Australia. During the coalition government's tenure, many refugees lost their lives due to the stringent visa policies. Although these tragic events decreased with the change to a Labor government, the hope for visa certainty has again begun to fade, putting refugees in desperate situations.

Uthayakaran's sudden passing has left a void in our hearts and a need to support his family during this difficult time. We are coming together to help organize a fitting funeral that honors his life and journey. We ask for your generous donations to assist in covering the funeral expenses and to provide some solace to his grieving family.

Your support will mean a great deal to Uthayakaran’s family and our community. Let's give Uthayakaran the respectful farewell he deserves.

**Please donate generously. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference.**

Thank you for your kindness and support.