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The Guardian - AU

National

Mark Isaacs

Alex fled civil war into an Australian nightmare with no end. After 16 years, he could not bear it

Australia Elizabeth Young Civil War Sri Lanka Immigration Sanmati Verma

Alex spent 16 years navigating Australia’s immigration system — Alex spent 16 years navigating Australia’s immigration system after being forced to leave Sri Lanka and his then two-year-old daughter and pregnant wife behind. Composite: Supplied

The view west from Perth’s Kings Park looks out over the Swan River as it runs towards the Indian Ocean.

Far beyond the horizon lies Sri Lanka, where one desperate decision changed the course of Alex’s life, leading him to Australia – and ultimately to end it.

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