Shiromini thanks everyone for their support

Shiromini SatkunarajahFollowing her return to Bangor, Shiromini Satkunarajah has thanked everyone for their support.

She said: “I’d like to particularly thank Hywel Williams MP for everything he’s done, as well as Bangor University, fellow students and the Students’ Union, NUS, churches all around the world, the barrister and solicitors, family and friends, the wider public, media, pressure groups and other organisations who supported me in this difficult time. 

“Thanks to everyone who signed the petition and shared it and helped me in whatever way they could. Thanks to those involved in making the decision to defer my deportation. 

“I am now delighted to be back at Bangor University and I very much hope I can complete my course. I wish to get back to my lectures and normal life as soon as possible to increase my chances of getting a First Class degree in Electronic Engineering. 

“Being detained came as a big shock, and being taken away from friends and family to a strange place was quite traumatic. Of course, there are still a lot of uncertainties, and that is worrying for me and my family, but now I want to concentrate on my studies and do well in my degree. The support I’ve had from everyone has been amazing, and I’m so grateful for the help I’ve received.” 

Bangor University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hughes, said: 

“Whilst there continues to be a fair amount of uncertainty, we were all delighted to have her return to Bangor. We would particularly like to thank Hywel Williams MP who has worked tirelessly to secure her release as well as many staff and students at the University and Undeb Bangor, and many around the world who lent their support in so many different ways - behind the scenes as well in the full glare of publicity.

“We will all continue to support Shiromini, and all of us at Bangor University very much hope that she will be allowed to remain to complete her degree.”

Publication date: 3 March 2017