Upcountry Tamils of Indian origin have asked the government to grant them Sri Lankan citizenship among 11 demands.
This year, Malaiyaha Tamils mark 200 years since their arrival in the island.
To highlight their demands, these people started a march from Thalaimannar on 28 July that ends from Matale on 12 August.
Incidentally, the route they are taking is the same one their ancestors used to reach the upcountry on their arrival from Danushkodi, India.
Speaking to BBC Sinhala Service, they said what they needed was not compassion, but their rights, and urged other communities to support them in their struggle.
