The 41st anniversary of the Othiyamalai massacre was observed in Mullaitivu district last week, as families and political representatives gathered to remember the 32 Tamil civilians killed by the Sri Lankan Army on 2 December 1984.
The commemoration was held at the memorial monument erected in Othiyamalai, a border village in the Mullaitivu district of the Tamil homeland, where the massacre took place. The observance was marked by deep grief, as relatives of the victims lit remembrance lamps and laid flowers and garlands at the memorial pillars.
Following the lighting of the lamps, a memorial gathering was held at the site, where those in attendance stood in silence to honour the lives cut short by the Sri Lankan state’s violence. Special prayers were later conducted at the Othiyamalai Pillaiyar Temple for the souls of those who were massacred.
Among those present at the commemoration were Vanni District Member of Parliament Thurairajah Ravikaran, Puthukkudiyiruppu Pradesha Sabha Chairman V. Karikalan, and Puthukkudiyiruppu Pradesha Sabha Member I. Giritharan. Several other political leaders, social activists and members of the public also attended, offering solidarity to the bereaved families.
The Othiyamalai massacre stands as one of the many atrocities carried out by the Sri Lankan Army against Tamil civilians during the island’s armed conflict. For survivors and relatives, the absence of accountability remains a continuing wound, compounded by decades of state denial and impunity.
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