As the former Bishop of Mannar and beloved Tamil activist Right Reverend Dr Rayappu Joseph was laid to rest in Mannar on Monday, vigils have been held in his honour across the Tamil homeland.
In the Mannar district, Rev. Joseph’s diocese and home for many decades, communities engaged in a full day of mourning, with businesses remaining shut. Private transport companies also did not operate. Thousands, including Hindu and Muslim leaders flocked to the St Sebastian Cathedral to pay their last respects.
Mothers of the disappeared held vigil, lighting candles and hanging black flags outside the Rambaikulam St Anthony Church in Vavuniya.
In Puthukudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu, the Puthukudiyiruppu town traders association closed their businesses and held a vigil for the former Bishop, presided over by religious leaders from different faiths.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
