I had seen the terrible things that happened in my country because of all of the injustice that was around us - with the corruption of the political system and the influence of narcotraffickers. We tried to help those who were most affected but because of our connections with the people we started to receive threats against our lives. We tried to tell ourselves not to worry about it, that they were just trying to frighten us, that they were simply words that wouldn't convert into actions. But there is a great difference between receiving a threat and experiencing what that threat means.

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After the problems started there was no peace for us at all, we were always tense. In Sri Lanka you were afraid everyday. You might go out somewhere and until you return home you don't know where your life will be. I mean every day, every moment, you are fearful. It's not just physical torture, it is something mental that you go through when it is happening to your family members. It's right in front of your eyes, like when your loved one is killed. My youngest brother died in Sri Lanka; he was assaulted and he became a quadriplegic. My oldest brother left the country, and we don't know where my two other brothers are. When my dad died, we were alone. That is persecution. That and the fear that they might come and harm you also.

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