The North-East coast of Sri Lanka is currently bracing for the impact of Cyclone Fengal, which is still several hundred kilometres away from Trincomalee but has already begun to wreak havoc on the region. Rising sea levels have inundated several coastal cities, forcing many residents to evacuate their homes as the storm intensifies.
Despite the imminent threat posed by the cyclone, which is expected to bring heavy rains and destructive winds in the coming days, the Sri Lankan police have spent the past 48 hours focusing their efforts on intimidating the Tamil community. The authorities have been seen removing posters, banners, and memorial boards intended for Maaveerar Naal (Heroes Day) commemorations, an event that marks the sacrifices of Tamil fighters during the civil war.
Rather than prioritizing the safety of the people as the storm approaches, the Sri Lankan police have been seen dismantling these symbols of remembrance, even as the rain poured down. Despite this, Tamils across the region defied the harassment, braving the inclement weather to hold their commemorations in the few places where it was safe to gather.
This event highlights the skewed priorities of the Sri Lankan government, where the suppression of Tamil mourning and remembrance is prioritized over the urgent need to safeguard lives. The actions of the Sri Lankan authorities in this moment of crisis further demonstrate a systemic exclusion of the Tamil community, with a focus on preventing their right to mourn and remember their fallen heroes, even as the storm threatens their safety and well-being.
