Mullivaikkal Kanji was served in places across the North-East today to commemorate the second day of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Week, commemorating the tens of thousands killed by the Sri Lankan state 13 years ago.

Kanji - a porridge of rice and water - was the only food available to Tamils trapped in the Sri Lankan government declared 'No Fire Zones' as food, medicines and other necessities were heavily restricted from entering the Vanni during the final phase of the armed conflict.

The Sri Lankan government denied the delivery of food into the conflict zones, to use starvation as a weapon of war. Even as Tamils stood in long queues to get a bowl of kanji, the Sri Lankan military continued their daily bombardment, slaughtering many.

Bowls were served to locals in Puthukkudiyiruppu, with schoolchildren taught about the significance of Kanji.

Locals also handed a bowl to Sri Lankan soldiers and police officers.

See photographs below.

Amparai