The community of Gurunagar came together to solemnly commemorate the 38th Anniversary of the Mandaitivu Sea Massacre, a dark chapter etched deeply into the collective memory of Gurunagar’s fishing community on June 10.
On this day, villagers, along with the children and relatives of the victims, gathered to honor the 31 Tamil fishermen, aged between 13 and 62, who were brutally murdered by Sri Lankan Navy personnel on June 10, 1986. The massacre remains a poignant reminder of the atrocities endured during the conflict, with the innocent souls lost that day continuing to be mourned by their loved ones and the wider community.
The ceremony was marked by a heartfelt tribute to those who perished, emphasizing the enduring impact of their loss on the community and the persistent brutality of the war. As the names of the victims were read aloud, the gathering stood in silent remembrance, reaffirming their commitment to honoring the memory of the fishermen and calling for justice and reconciliation.
On the early morning of June 10, 1986, the fishermen of Gurunagar set out aboard the boat “Thuya Oli” (Holy Light) toward Mandaitivu island, unaware of the horror awaited them. As they neared the islet, Sri Lankan Navy personnel, clad in ominous black uniforms, launched a ruthless ambush. Despite the fishermen’s frantic attempts to signal their civilian status, the navy mercilessly destroyed their boats and nets before inflicting unimaginable torture and ultimately massacring them. Mr. Semon Mariyathas, then 41, was the sole miraculous survivor of that fateful day, yet he continues to bear deep physical and emotional scars.
The inquest held on June 26, 1986, led by the Magistrate under Inquest No. 9388, returned a verdict of homicide, unequivocally identifying the attackers as navy personnel. Medical evidence revealed the brutal nature of the attack, with all victims suffering multiple injuries from machine gunfire. The bodies of the fishermen bore signs of torture, with some having their eyes gouged out and stomachs slashed open, highlighting the sheer brutality inflicted upon them.
This year, a poignant ceremony was held at the monument commemorating the Mandaitivu Sea Massacre. The current memorial unveiled in 2004 on the massacre’s 18th Anniversary, replaced an earlier memorial that was destroyed by the Sri Lankan Army during a military operation in 1996.
Tearful families and surviving relatives gathered to share stories of their lost loved ones. “The scars of that day remain fresh in our hearts,” said one of the organizers. “We will never forget the brutality inflicted upon our people, nor will we cease our calls for justice. The Mandaitivu Sea Massacre symbolizes our enduring struggle.”
The ceremony concluded with a candlelight vigil, each flame a tribute to the 31 martyrs, their names resonating through the air in a somber roll call of lost lives. The community’s resolve to honor their memory remains unbroken, a beacon of hope amid enduring sorrow.
This annual remembrance is a reminder of the urgent need for justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. It calls upon all to acknowledge the past and strive for a future unmarred by such atrocities.
