Sri Lankan police, army, and public health inspectors conducted raids in banks, businesses, private clinics and restaurants in Vavuniya this week, reportedly to control the recurrence of coronavirus infections in Vavuniya.
Details of those who were not wearing masks and who did not observe “health practices” were recorded and warned.
Despite ongoing criticism of their involvement in civilian affairs in the North-East, the Sri Lankan military continue to target, harass and surveil Tamil communities under the guise of the coronavirus.
In May, viral footage saw Sri Lanka police dragging Jaffna Tamils away and forcing them into quarantine under Sri Lanka’s coronavirus response led by accused war criminal, and head of the Sri Lankan army, Shavendra Silva.
On Tuesday, locals in Mullaitivu have demanded the removal of several military checkpoints, which were reportedly set up to enforce coronavirus related lockdowns but have persisted for months afterwards without any explanation. Locals have repeatedly complained of harassment by the armed and masked soldiers stationed at the checkpoints.
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