The Sri Lankan military announced that it had held a “Judo workshop” for Tamil students in Kilinochchi earlier this year, as it continues to expand its much criticised role in civilian activities in the North-East.
The workshop was held “under the direction and close supervision of General Officer Commanding 57 Division Major General Vijitha Ravipriya” reports an official military website.
It took place at the 57 Division’s headquarters in Kilinochchi. The 57 Division was involved in Sri Lanka’s military offensive during the final phase of the armed conflict in 2009, which saw tens of thousands of Tamils massacred. It was part of the military that claim to capture Kilinochchi, a former LTTE stronghold.
Sri Lankan troops headed the workshop, held for “students and school leavers” in the town.
The event is just one in a series of civilian activities that the Sri Lankan military has continued to involve itself in, in the Tamil North-East. It comes despite repeated criticism of its role, in particular with Tamil schoolchildren in the region, where the military has increasingly started to exert its presence.
Though the Sri Lankan government had previously pledged to demilitarise the region, the Sri Lankan armed forces continues to have a massive presence.
