Tamil communities across the globe will commemorate Mullivaikkal Memorial Day on Saturday, May 18, in remembrance of the thousands of civilians who perished during the final days of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009.
The solemn occasion honours the victims of the brutal end-stage of the war between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), with a particular focus on Mullivaikkal, a small village in the Mullaitivu District that became the epicentre of the conflict’s final, bloodiest chapter.
Over a decade later, Mullivaikkal Day remains deeply significant for Sri Lankan Tamils and the Tamil diaspora. It serves as a day of mourning and remembrance for the immense civilian toll, mass displacement, and unresolved allegations of war crimes and human rights violations.
While Sri Lanka continues to restrict public commemorations in the Northern and Eastern provinces — areas heavily affected by the conflict — private vigils and memorials still take place discreetly. In contrast, diaspora-led events in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia are held openly, often drawing large crowds and calls for justice, reconciliation, and international accountability.
Typical memorial activities include:
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Candlelight vigils
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Interfaith religious services
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Public speeches and photo exhibitions
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Moments of silence for victims
Activists and human rights organisations continue to urge global leaders to press for independent investigations into the events of 2009, and to support long-term reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.
