Sri Lankan security forces administered the first dose of Pfizer vaccine for students aged 18 and above in Jaffna, in a move that entrenches the militarisation of the Tamil homeland.
Troops of the 4th Battalion Medical Corps facilitated and administered vaccines alongside Medical Officers and Public Health Inspectors in select schools in Chankani, Jaffna, Kareinagar, Karaveddy, Kopay, Muruthankerny, Nallur, Point Pedro, Sandilipay, Tellipalai, Uduvil and Velanai.
Image Credit: cimicjaffna.lk
This vaccination drive was conducted under the supervision of Commander Security Forces Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, the District Coordinator of COVID-19 Control and Prevention in Jaffna.
Image Credit: cimicjaffna.lk
Troops in the North-East continue to facilitate vaccination clinics under the leadership of Sri Lankan army commander and accused war criminal Shavendra Silva’s coronavirus initiatives. Silva served as the commander of the 58th division during Sri Lanka’s military offensive in 2009 which stands accused of executing surrendering Tamils, sexual violence and the deliberate shelling of hospitals.
Image Credit: cimicjaffna.lk
Many human rights advocates have voiced concern over Sri Lanka's militarised response to the coronavirus pandemic that state forces have used the virus as a guise to target, harass and surveil Tamil communities.
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