On Tuesday February 17th 2009, a massive rally was held to speak up for the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils. Great amounts of York University students came together at Vari Hall to speak up against the genocide currently taking place in Sri Lanka. This awareness event was to bring to attention the only solution to stop the genocide occurring against the Tamils in Sri Lanka, an independent nation for the Tamils, Tamil Eelam.

The students gathered at Vari Hall, York University and did a march all the way down to Keele and Steeles; blocking the roads as they went due to the massive group of students. The students chanted slogans such as "Free Free Tamil Eelam!" and "Students united, will never be defeated!"

The march then continued back towards Vari Hall where the students once again had a gathering and had motivational speakers speak, which rang all through Vari Hall.

York's Federation of Student's vice president expressed words of concern to her fellow pupils. She had said that the issues happening in Sri Lanka against the Tamils would not be tolerated here in Canada, so why should it be accepted elsewhere?

As the event neared the end a very emotional struck student had brought out the Sri Lankan flag and lit it on fire. This student was affected greatly by the atrocities put forth by the Sri Lankan government and lost many family members in the genocide.

Students strongly believe that an independent Tamil Eelam is the only solution for the injustice that the Sri Lankan government is putting forth and it was clear that these students will not stop speaking up until they see justice prevail for their people.