Tamils in Vaaharai, Batticaloa, gathered in remembrance of those who died in the last phase of the armed conflict, as Sri Lankan intelligence officials looked on.

The event, held in Manikkapuram, was organised by the Tamil National People's Front and saw a Hindu priest conduct a poosai.

The leader of the British opposition Jeremy Corbyn expressed his solidarity with the Tamil people and reiterated calls for justice and self determination, in a message released to mark the 7th year anniversary since the massacres at Mullivaikkal.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of those that died during the final days and weeks of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict,” said Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

“My thoughts today are also with the wider Tamil community who have shouldered injustice for decades and remain resolute in their determination for justice.”

“We will stand with you in your pursuit of truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and self-determination in Sri Lanka.”

Marking the 7th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal massacre, the UK Conservative party renewed its call for justice for the Tamils that were killed at the end of the armed conflict in 2009.

"Today we remember the thousands of Tamils who lost their lives seven years ago in the final stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka," the party's vice chairman, Robert Halfon said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Mullivaikkal is a day to remember the atrocities perpetrated against Tamils, and those who lost their lives during those terrible years," he added.

 

Members of the Tamil National People’s Front lit candles at Mullivaikkal earlier today, commemorating the lives lost during the massacres of 2009.