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 Sri Lankan military’s presence in schools, community centres, religious institutions, and public health spaces is seen by many as intimidatory. Armed personnel continue to oversee cultural festivals, distribute aid, and conduct educational campaigns.
Education
From 20 February to 10 March 2025, over 12,500 Sri Lankan Army personnel carried out school renovations across the Northern Province under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. The schools involved included Sri Vigneswaram College in Poonaryn, St. Joseph’s College in Mathagal, M/Mungilaru Primary School in Udayarkattu, and several others located within areas administered by the Security Forces Headquarters in Jaffna and Vanni.
On 4 April, in recognition of the International Day for Mine Awareness, the Sri Lanka Army conducted educational programmes in the Northern Province. At J/Palaly North G.T.M School, 195 students received instruction on landmines, anti-personnel mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices.
Palaly is the site of Sri Lanka Air Force's airfield in Jaffna and areas in the vicinity are part of the High Security Zone.
On 7 April 2025, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted an infrastructure project at Al-Kalam Maha Vidyalayam in Pottuvil. The project was implemented under the direction of the Commander of the Southeastern Naval Area. This was the 39th school where the Sri lankan Navy has undertaken similar activities.
On 12 April 2025, the 20th Gajaba Regiment of the 221 Infantry Brigade and 22 Division hosted a welfare programme at its base in Pulmoddai. With support from an Australian resident, dry food rations valued at Rs. 5,000 were distributed to pregnant women from low-income families in Paranamedawachchiya and Thennamaramvadi.
Both villages are in Trincomalee district, close to the border with the North Central province of Sri Lanka. Many Tamil residents of Thennamaravadi have long fled their homes and both villages are now home to large numbers of Sinhala settlers. The event was attended by three officers, 20 soldiers, and a public health midwife.
Culture and Religion
On 30 March 2025, Major General K.M.P.S.B. Kulatunga, Commander of Security Forces – Vanni, met with Bishop Anthonypillai Ganapragasam at the Mannar Bishop’s House.
In April 2025, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted an underwater New Year celebration stunt in the Trincomalee sea , organised by its Malima Hospitality Services and Navy Diving Unit. The event included traditional rituals and folk games performed by divers.
From 5 to 16 April 2025, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was marked across the Vanni region with events organised by the Sri Lankan military. The 59 Infantry Division hosted the "Sigithi New Year Festival" on 5 April at the Green Jacket Holiday Resort in Alampil.
The site of an LTTE cemetery in Alampil is now being used by the army. The cemetery was bulldozed by the Sri Lankan army.
Today the site is occupied by the headquarters of the 24th Battalion of the Sinha Regiment and a "multi shop", open to the public, operated by the troops. On the coast not far from the camp, the battalion runs the "Green Jackets Resort".
The 54 Infantry Division held celebrations on 9 April at Thalladi Camp, and the 56 Infantry Division held its event on 16 April at the Vavuniya Municipal Council Grounds. These events were attended by military officers, local officials, and community leaders.
On 6 April 2025, the Security Force Headquarters – Jaffna hosted a New Year festival at Duraiappa Stadium as part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" programme. Attendees included Major General Y.A.B.M Yahampath and Jaffna District Secretary Mr. M. Pradeepan.
On 8 April 2025, the 58 Infantry Division held the "Soorya Mangalya 2025" festival at the Sinnawilluwatta playground in Puttalam. The event included cultural activities and was attended by Major General J.K.R Jayakody.
Community and Housing
On 11 April 2025, the 10 (Volunteer) Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, under the 54 Infantry Division, distributed school supplies to 29 students at Palakkuli Roman Catholic Tamil School in Mannar.
On 17 April 2025, the 4th Battalion Gemunu Watch, led by Security Forces East Commander Major General P.R. Pathiravithana, visited the Yogaswami Hindu Girls’ Children’s Home in Valachchenai. With assistance from the Lions Club, the military provided school supplies and lunch to the children.
Public Health
On 11 April 2025, a health and crisis preparedness programme was conducted at Valaichchenai Fishery Harbour. Organised by the Sri Lankan military and the Department of Fisheries as part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" campaign, the session included training in Basic First Aid, Basic Life Support, Field Triage, Lifestyle Medicine, Mental Health, Addiction Management, and NCD Screening, facilitated by the Naval Hospital of the Eastern Naval Command.
