Sri Lanka’s Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed that restrictions would be put in place as Tamils look to observe Maaveerar Naal, or Great Heroes’ Day, on November 27, including the display of any photographs.
Speaking to reporters, Wijepala said display of logos, uniforms, or images associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) remain prohibited, as the group is a banned terrorist organization.
The display of any symbols or representations related to the group during memorial events is not allowed. That ban extended to photographs of fallen fighters.
“The LTTE is a designated terrorist outfit, and there is no allowance for the display of their symbols, uniforms, or images of their cadres during Maaveerar Naal,” he stated.
His remarks came as commemoration events have already begun in the run up to November 27, with several displaying photographs of fallen fighters.
Events across the North-East to commemorate the parents of martyrs for example, also displayed photographs of their children.
It is tradition to garland photographs of killed cadres at such events, which also take place unhindered in capitals across the world.
In recent years, the Sri Lankan state has allowed such events to take place to a degree, with loved ones gathering at cemeteries that have been bulldozed by the Sri Lankan state. But harassment and intimidation has continued, including this year.
As Wijepala spoke to reporters, police in the occupied in Mannar, had an attempt to prevent the commemoration of Tamil freedom fighters on Maaveerar Naal overturned.
Tamil volunteers in Batticaloa preparing for Maaveerar Naal, were also summoned by police over their preparation activities, in a reported attempt to disrupt preparations.
