Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square today to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the thousands of civilians who lost their lives in the final stages of the Sri Lankan civil war in 2009.
The annual memorial, organised by members of the UK Tamil diaspora, featured speeches, candlelit vigils, and calls for international recognition of what many refer to as genocide. Survivors, community leaders, and human rights advocates joined together to honour the memory of the estimated 70,000 Tamil civilians who were killed in the final months of the war.
“Never Again”: Calls for Justice and Accountability
Many participants held placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Tamil Genocide Victims”, “Never Forget Mullivaikkal”, and “UN, Where Are You?” — referencing the Mullivaikkal massacre, widely seen as one of the darkest chapters in the 26-year conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
A minute of silence was observed at 6pm, followed by the lighting of memorial candles. Several youth speakers from Tamil organisations delivered passionate appeals for UN-led investigations, with many accusing the Sri Lankan government of war crimes and ongoing discrimination.
Dignitaries and Advocacy Groups Speak Out
The event featured speeches by British MPs, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, and representatives from Amnesty International UK.
MP Siobhain McDonagh said:
“The world must no longer turn a blind eye to the suffering endured by the Tamil people. Recognition, truth, and justice must follow remembrance.
A Global Day of Remembrance
Tamil communities across the globe—from Toronto to Sydney—are also holding similar events, reinforcing a growing international campaign to have May 18 recognised as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day by governments and institutions.
In 2022, Canada became the first country to formally recognise the day, setting a precedent that campaigners hope the UK Parliament will follow.
Event Details
- Location: Trafalgar Square, London
- Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Organised by: British Tamil Forum, Tamil Youth Organisation UK, and other diaspora groups
Tags:
Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, Mullivaikkal, Sri Lanka, Trafalgar Square, Tamil Diaspora, Human Rights, War Crimes, London Tamil Events, 18 May, UN Accountability
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tamil genocide remembrance day london, trafalgar square tamil vigil, mullivaikkal remembrance 2025, tamil civilian massacre sri lanka, uk tamil diaspora justice
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Hundreds gather in London’s Trafalgar Square to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, honouring victims of the 2009 Mullivaikkal massacre and demanding international justice.
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