Cleanup work has begun at the destroyed LTTE cemetery in Vakarai, Batticaloa District, as Tamils prepare for next month’s Maaveerar Naal or Heroes Day commemorations, with volunteers gathering this morning to honour fallen fighters of the Tamil liberation struggle.
The site, known as a thuyilum illam or “resting place”, is one of many cemeteries across the Tamil homeland that were bulldozed and desecrated by the Sri Lankan military after the Mullivaikkal genocide in 2009. Despite the destruction and continued militarisation of the region, local residents and families of the fallen have persisted in restoring these sacred grounds ahead of annual remembrance events.
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This morning’s activities began with floral tributes and silent homage to the Maaveerar. Volunteers then commenced clearing debris and beginning initial efforts to clean and restore the grounds in time for the 27 November commemorations.
Across the North-East, similar preparations have already begun at other destroyed thuyilum illams, as Tamils reaffirm their determination to honour those who gave their lives in the struggle for self-determination.
Each year, despite surveillance and restrictions from the Sri Lankan military, Maaveerar Naal continues to be marked by thousands across the Tamil homeland and diaspora.
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