(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – The Sri Lankan family that sheltered US whistleblower Edward Snowden are seeking asylum in Canada after claiming CID officials were tracking them in Hong Kong.
They are said to be living in poverty and not allowed to work due to their ties to the American national. The family fed and housed Snowden in July 2013 when he fled the US after leaking a number of classified files.
Two of the refugees – Kellapatha Supun Thilina and Debagma Kankanalamage Ajith Pushpakumara have said they are being illegally pursued by CID officials and fear remaining in Hong Kong, where they could be extradited back to Sri Lanka and face “violence and torture”
Their lawyers said it is “a matter of life and death” if they remain in the city.
Furthermore, Hong Kong authorities are also thought to have questioned the two refugees.
Edward Snowden, who now lives in Russia, tweeted his concerns for the family that gave him refuge.
Film Director Oliver Stone and actor Joseph Gordon-Lewitt who were behind the Hollywood film documenting Snowden’s actions have also raised awareness about the situation of the refugee’s. (Courtesy – BBC)
