Militarisation of Tamil schoolchildren continues in Sri Lanka

by Thusiyan
May 26, 2022

The Sri Lankan military continued its militarisation of Tamil schoolchildren in the North-East with at least two further public events this last week.

In Kanagarayankulam 561 Brigade troops of the 56 Division reportedly built a “a drinking water facility” at the Periyakulam Government Tamil Mixed School. Photographs show uniformed Sri Lankan commanders posing with Tamil schoolchildren.

In Mullaitivu, another group of uniformed soldiers with the 68 Division reportedly handed out meals at a school for Tamil children with special needs.

The continued presence of the military in Tamil schools has been repeatedly criticised by international organisations, civil society groups and local politicians. Despite the criticism, the military continues to invade several different aspects of civil life in the North-East, where tens of thousands of troops remain stationed.

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