Imposing Buddhism: military holds Vesak celebrations across North-East

by Sivakami
Apr 30, 2018

The Sri Lankan army stationed in North-East commenced celebrations for the Buddhist festival of Vesak on Sunday across the Tamil homeland, with prominent events in Jaffna, Batticaloa and Mannar. 

Residents criticised the celebrations taking place by the military in the Tamil region, highlighting also the heavy military presence as a result. 

The military's celebrations are being held at the popular grounds where May Day rallies usually take place, forcing May Day rally organisers to find alternative locations this year.

The grounds near Jaffna Fort are also home to the World Tamil Conference Massacre memorial, and were the subject of local tension last year when a Buddhist monk was cremated there, despite local opposition.

 

Batticaloa 

 

Mannar

The event in Mannar was held at a Buddhist stupa built by the police station in Adampan. 

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