British Tamils gathered in Oxford this week to commemorate Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day at the World Tamil Historical Centre, honouring the tens of thousands of Tamils killed during the final stages of the armed conflict in Mullivaikkal in 2009.
The remembrance event formed part of commemorations held across the Tamil diaspora this month, as Tamils worldwide marked the 17th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide and renewed calls for international accountability and justice.
Mourners gathered to pay tribute to those who were killed during the final months of the Sri Lankan military offensive, widely recognised by Tamils as a genocide against the Tamil nation.
The commemorative programme included the lighting of memorial lamps, floral tributes, moments of silence and prayers for those who lost their lives during the massacres at Mullivaikkal. Participants also reflected on the continuing struggle for justice, accountability and recognition of the atrocities committed against Tamils.
Across the North-East homeland and diaspora communities, this year’s Mullivaikkal commemorations were accompanied by renewed calls for international accountability mechanisms, recognition of the Tamil genocide and the Tamil nation’s right to self-determination.
Despite the passage of seventeen years since the massacres at Mullivaikkal, Tamil families of the disappeared, survivors and rights groups continue to accuse successive Sri Lankan governments of failing to deliver truth, justice or accountability for mass atrocities.
