Two major demonstrations were held in London, one on July 27 1983 and the other on Saturday July 30 in protest against the racial violence unleashed against the Tamils of Sri Lanka. The demonstration on the 27th was attended by over 1000 Tamils and others and was preceded by a picket outside the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, The demonstrators marched to the Indian High Commission in London and handed over a petition.

The July 30th demonstration attended by over 7000 placard carrying and slogan. shouting people, who had arrived from all parts of Great Britain was the biggest ever staged in London by an ethnic group. The demonstration which was about 10 deep took about 45 minutes to pass a point commenced from Hyde Park and wended its way through Piccadily Circus, Strand, Whitehall and Westminister Bridge and terminated at Waterloo near County Hall. A petition signed by thousands was handed over to the British Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.