(Commemorations in Batticaloa)
Commemorations were held in sites across the Tamil homeland today to mark the 18th anniversary of the tragic death of journalist Subramaniyam Sugirdharajan, including at the very site where he was fatally shot on January 24, 2006, whilst waiting for transport to get to work.
Sugirdharajan, a fearless journalist, had played a crucial role in exposing the harrowing massacre of five university students along the Trincomalee coast. As a journalist at the Sudar Oli paper, he accompanied one of the fathers of the murdered students, Dr Manoharan, to the mortuary and published photos showing the bodies with point-blank gunshot injuries, thereby disproving government claims that the students had been killed by a grenade explosion.
Despite facing severe threats, he courageously brought this news to the world.
At the time, Reporters sans frontières (RSF) also noted, "he detailed the abuses committed by Tamil paramilitary groups including the EPDP in the Trincomalee region".
In a poignant commemoration held today, Agaram Makkal Maiyam, a civil organization based in Trincomalee, held an event which began with a one-minute memorial service, followed by touching liturgies and floral tributes offered by representatives from various organizations in Trincomalee.
The gathering included individuals who had stood alongside Sugirdharajan during his journalistic endeavours. Sharing their experiences, they painted a vivid picture of his dedication to truth and justice. The ceremony concluded at 6:35 pm, leaving a sombre yet powerful reminder of Sugirdharajan's enduring impact on journalism and the pursuit of truth.
Similar tributes were held in Vavuniya at an event organized by the Media Association under the leadership of its President G. Gokulan, and in Batticaloa where a portrait of the slain journalist was garlanded by media workers.
See more images from the commemorations below.
(Commemorations in Trincomalee)
(Commemorations in Vavuniya)
