At least 28 Sri Lanka navy personnel have been injured following a bus accident in the Tamil North-East, reports News First.

The Sri Lankan navy bus veered off a road in Parayanakulama in Vavuniya. The military reported that the injured troops have since been admitted into hospital. None are thought to be in a critical condition.

It is not known whether any civilians were also injured.

The rise of drug smuggling in the Tamil North-East is degrading education, culture and development in a manner that seems “well planned” and aims to eradicate Tamil society, said Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran.

Speaking at a teachers’ conference at Vembady Women’s College in Jaffna, Justice Wigneswaran told the audience that despite the presence of 15,000 Sri Lankan army soldiers in Jaffna, illegal drug smuggling has continued to increase.

“At whose behest is this happening?” he questioned, noting that there were even greater numbers of air force, navy and police personnel.

“We understand that the sale of these narcotics is mainly focussed on school children, with an aim to destabilise the education of our students,” he continued.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his visit to Jaffna at an election rally in Tamil Nadu this week, as he showcased his efforts to help Tamils in the North-East.

Addressing rallies in Chennai and Hosur, Mr Modi spoke on the issue of Tamils in the North-East, stating "I was the first PM to visit Jaffna and wipe their tears”.

He also spoke of an Indian housing scheme for displaced Tamils, saying “In the last 20 years, for the homes that were lost - 50,000 houses are to be given; 30,000 houses are already given”.

Mr Modi visited the North-East last year, stating he was there to help "wipe the tears from the eyes of those who suffered".

Sri Lanka’s president declared open War Heroes Commemoration Month, on Friday, at is offices in a  flag raising ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony with the Ministry of Defence, Mr Sirisena said,

The UNP's State Minister of Child Affairs Vijayakala Maheswaran has pledged to build a memorial hall in Mullivaikkal, despite government opposition to public Tamil remembrance of the war dead.

“In remembrance of the 100,00 people who were massacred in the war, a memorial hall will be constructed at Mullivaikal with the support of Northern Provincial Council. I will accomplish this within the next five years.” the Tamil MP for Jaffna said.

“Nobody can oppose the construction of the memorial hall in remembrance of our deceased relatives. I do not care, even if I am dismissed.” she added.