‘This was a genocide’ - Locals commemorate the Cheddikulam massacre

A ceremony was held in Vavuniya to mark 35 years since the Cheddikulam massacre, where the Sri Lankan military disappeared 52 Tamil men and boys.

Lamps were left before a banner bearing the names of the 52 individuals, with Hindu and Christian prayers held in a remembrance ceremony. 

Read more on the massacre and interviews with locals who escaped in our feature ‘Remembering the 1984 Cheddikulam massacre - 52 Tamil men rounded up’

Families of the disappeared protesting in Vavuniya town also marked the massacre's anniversary, demanding justice for the 52 along with the thousands disappeared since the start of the armed conflict.

 

Three sons of Dr Sangarapillai - all were disappeared

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