by Rev. S.J. Emmanuel; published April 14, 2004
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing away of Brigitte under tragic circumstances. None can understand the depth with which this Swiss lady committed herself to the just Cause of the Tamils and moved thousands of others to do the same. The fact that she was married to a Tamil could not have been the one and only cause for her involvement. She was a great believer in God and possessed deep feelings for the down- trodden and the underprivileged. She argued tirelessly for justice and peace. Because of her spiritual strength, conviction and courage she stood up before international audiences in Swizerland and abroad to rationlise and argue about the just cause of freedom for the Tamils.
I have had many encouraging meetings with her. She organised both within the church organisations as well as outside many meetings to help propagate a just cause as well as the welfare of Tamil asylum seekers and Swiss-Tamils. She was very helpful in facilitating the help of the Swiss Government and the NGOs for relief work in Thamil Eelam.
It was my privilege in presenting her the first copy of the book – Politics of Duplicity, written by the LTTE’s political advisor, Dr.Anton Balasingam, at a function held at the library-room of the World Council of Churches in Geneva.
She has won a place in the hearts of all expatriate Tamils, especially those in Swizerland. We mourn her passing away. In the name of Tamils who are actively committed to the cause of freedom, we express the deep sympathies of many expatriate Tamils to her family members. We thank God for the gift of Brigitte to the Tamils. We pray that God in His mercy take her into Eternal Life.
S.J.Emmanuel
Germany