Objections raised by Sri Lankan police over a decorative arch standing at the entrance of Mulankvail Thuyilum Illam (LTTE cemetery) reached a new juncture as the case filed by the police was heard in Kilinochchi courts. The arch was erected in November 2023 to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.
Despite an inspection report affirming the structural integrity of the arch, police filed a case at the Kilinochchi Magistrate Courts. A letter addressed to the Secretary of the Poonakary Divisional Council, alleged that the arch poses a hazard due to the potential risk of collapse.
The jurisdiction over the area, including the botanical garden where the arch stands, falls under the purview of the Poonakary Divisional Council.
During the court proceedings, the divisional Technical Officer submitted a comprehensive inspection report, asserting that the arch, being a temporary structure, posed no immediate dangers. The Secretary to the Poonakary Divisional Council defended the presence of the arch, highlighting its significance to the community and expressing concerns that its removal could disrupt ethnic harmony.
Following deliberation on the submitted reports and arguments presented by both parties, the presiding judge opted to adjourn the case without issuing a definitive ruling at this time.
Despite facing destruction by the Sri Lanka army, local residents have endeavoured to restore and preserve the Mulankavil Thuyilum Illam site. Each year, thousands gather at the Thuyilum Illam to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.
