Despite the formal end of the armed conflict over fifteen years ago, Sri Lankan military involvement in civilian life across the Tamil homeland remains widespread and persistent.

From education and healthcare to religious and cultural events, the Sri Lankan armed forces continue to entrench themselves in daily affairs under the guise of development, welfare, and national unity. These activities, often carried out under government-sponsored programmes like “Clean Sri Lanka,” and serve as a reminder of the state’s enduring militarisation of Tamil regions.

The Colombo magistrate’s court has announced the release of a man and a woman who were arrested after walking near a church in a suspicious manner during the Easter Sunday service at the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade.

The pair were presented to court by the Foreshore police. Police reported arresting them on suspicion after observing them walking around the church on the 20th of April.