The Sri Lankan military continued its militarisation of Tamil schools in the North-East, as uniformed soldiers entered schools to hand out food and stationeries to children this month.
In Vathirayan, troops from the 10 (v) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment provided a "nutritious lunch" for children from the Ilampirai Preschool. Photographs show uniformed officers distributing food to the children. According to the Sri Lankan military website, troops from the 52 Infantry and 522 Infantry Bridge had taken part in this ceremony.
Meanwhile, in Karanavai, troops from the 11 Vijayabahu regiment "offered a special lunch" to the children of the Mavali Preschool. According to the military's press statement, the troops gifted stationaries to the preschool children. It went on to state that "teachers, parents, and community in the area were highly appreciated the event and given their gratitude to the Sri Lanka Army for supporting to uplift the education of innocent children."
More than a decade after the end of the armed conflict, tens of thousands of Sri Lankan soldiers remain deployed across the North-East. The military remains extensively involved in civilian life in the region, making regular appearances at schools, places of worship and other community events.
