Kaddaikadu commemorates 1994 Sri Lankan massacre of Tamil fishermen

The 32nd anniversary of the killing of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy was commemorated on Wednesday at St Mary’s Grounds in Kaddaikadu, where relatives and locals gathered in remembrance.

The event marked more than three decades since ten fishermen were shot dead in the early hours of 18 February 1994. The men had been fishing on traditional kattumarams in the waters off the Sundikkulam Thoduvaai canal when Sri Lankan naval personnel arrived in Dvora boats and opened fire.

Family members of those killed paid tribute by garlanding portraits of the deceased and lighting lamps in their memory. The commemoration was held in a sombre atmosphere, with relatives reflecting on the lives lost and the enduring impact on their families and the wider coastal community.

The fishermen had set out to sea as part of their daily livelihood when they were killed. For families in Kaddaikadu and neighbouring coastal villages, the killings remain a defining moment, emblematic of the dangers faced by Tamil fishing communities during the years of armed conflict.

As part of Wednesday’s observances, a foundation stone was also laid for a commemorative monument dedicated to the ten fishermen who were killed. The memorial is intended to stand as a permanent site of remembrance, honouring those who lost their lives while engaged in their work at sea.

More than three decades on, the killings remain without accountability. Families of the victims and local residents have repeatedly called for justice, stating that no meaningful investigation or prosecution has ever taken place in relation to the incident.

The anniversary comes amid continuing demands from Tamils across the North-East for truth and accountability over past massacres.