The Sri Lankan military stationed in Jaffna held a series of events on May18, where it commemorated what it termed “the capitulation of ruthless terrorism”, whilst Tamils across the world mourned the deaths of tens of thousands killed by security forces.
Apart from a military ceremony at its headquarters in Jaffna, the army also held a Buddhist ceremony at the premises. Troops dressed in all white garb took part in the prayers “to honour the sacrifices made by the soldiers to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”.
Later in the day, another ceremony was held at a Hindu temple frequented by local Tamils. Soldiers in camouflage uniform prayed to “share merits for the fallen heroes”.
The events took place as Tamils across the North-East and around the world, held a series of commemorative ceremonies to mourn the deaths of tens of thousands, killed largely by Sri Lankan military shelling 9 years ago.