While Tamils commemorate the massacres of the end of the armed conflict, prominent Sri Lankan politicians from both sides of the Sinhala divide continue to laud the armed forces as “heroes.”

UNP Minister for Housing and Construction Sajith Premadasa’s posted a tweet saying "Remembering our war heroes" this morning.

Updated 05:17 GMT

Tamils gathered at the site of the final battle in Mullivaikkal this morning to commemorate those who died in the end phase of the armed conflict.

Students and staff gathered in their hundreds at the University of Jaffna for the institution's event to mark the 7th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict.

Tamils in Vaaharai, Batticaloa, gathered in remembrance of those who died in the last phase of the armed conflict, as Sri Lankan intelligence officials looked on.

The event, held in Manikkapuram, was organised by the Tamil National People's Front and saw a Hindu priest conduct a poosai.

The leader of the British opposition Jeremy Corbyn expressed his solidarity with the Tamil people and reiterated calls for justice and self determination, in a message released to mark the 7th year anniversary since the massacres at Mullivaikkal.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of those that died during the final days and weeks of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict,” said Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

“My thoughts today are also with the wider Tamil community who have shouldered injustice for decades and remain resolute in their determination for justice.”

“We will stand with you in your pursuit of truth, justice, accountability, reconciliation and self-determination in Sri Lanka.”