Batticaloa district organiser of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), Kanapathipillai Gukakumararajah, and his son face extended remand until February 7, for attempting to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.
The Magistrate Court issued the order on January 24 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The arrests occurred when Gukakumararajah and his son were en route to the Thandiyadi Thuyilum Illam to commemorate Maaveerar Naal on November 27, 2023.
Gukakumarajah and his son Janojan were initially detained at the Vavunathivu Police station and subsequently presented before court. Janojan continues to be detained under the PTA.
The commemoration of Maaveerar Naal holds significant importance for the Tamils in the North-East, allowing them to remember and honour the sacrifices their relatives and loved ones made in the liberation struggle. For years, particularly following the end of the armed conflict in 2009, Sri Lanka's security forces have escalated their crackdown in the North-East. Most recently, in the run up to Maaveerar Naal - or Great Heroes Day.
As many as 9 Tamils were detained under the PTA over remembrance events for Maaveerar Naal. The arrests, which came mainly in the East, were carried out as Tamils carried red and yellow flags or speakers, to take to Maaveerar Naal commemorations, which remember those who died fighting for the liberation of Tamil Eelam. Others were arrested for hiring out vehicles or power generators, or at commemorations themselves which were stormed by Sri Lankan security officers.
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