Vanni MP Thurairajah Ravikaran scattered flowers at Nandikadal lagoon in the early hours of this morning to mark the 17 years since the Tamil genocide at Mullivaikkal.
Hundreds of thousands of Tamils attempted to flee across the Nandikadal lagoon towards Vadduvakkal in the final days of the armed conflict as the Sri Lankan armed forces closed in on them.
The area became littered with the bodies of those killed during the genocide at Mullivaikkal, with many perishing in the waters of the lagoon.
Ravikaran stated Nandikadal is a "silent witness" to the Tamil genocide.
"This silent witness, Nandikadal Lagoon, stands as testimony to the tragic final scenes of our proud history. Bowing before these motherly waters, mingled with the tears and blood of countless of our loved ones, I offered flowers in tribute to those who laid down their lives."
Following this, prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls were offered at Vattappalai Kannaki Amman Temple.
Members of the Karaituraipattu divisional council, Mahadeva Gunasingharasa and Jegatheesan Rathinam, also participated in the tribute events and the prayers.
