Sri Lankan police banned Tamils from commemorating those who were killed by the Sri Lankan air force in Sumanthirapuram on June 10, 1998.
Twenty-two years have passed since the tragic massacre that left 33 dead and 52 injured, when a temple was struck by Sri Lankan air force.
The ceremony was scheduled to begin at 9am on Wednesday, at the Nirojan sports ground in Sumanthirapuram. However, Pudkuthiyiruppu police were stationed in large numbers in two different spots on Sumanthirapuram street and checked everyone's permits, turning people away after placing a ban on the event.
While the Tamil community has always faced harassment and surveillance during commemoration events, there has been increased intimidation from Sri Lankan police who are citing coronavirus to block events.
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