02nd June 2025 17:30:34 Hours
The Aranthalawa Massacre, one of the most tragic incidents in Sri Lanka’s history, is solemnly remembered each year on June 2nd. On this day in 1987, 33 Buddhist monks — most of them young novices — along with four civilians, were brutally killed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the village of Aranthalawa, located in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. The atrocity is regarded as one of the most heinous acts committed by the LTTE during the Sri Lankan civil conflict and remains a significant symbol of suffering and resilience for the Sri Lankan people.
Today, June 2, 2025, marks the 38th anniversary of this heartbreaking event. A commemoration ceremony was held at the Aranthalawa International Buddhist Center with the participation of Commander Security Forces (East), Major General P. R. Pathiravithana, USAWC psc. He was joined by the General Officer Commanding of the 24 Infantry Division, senior officers, and other distinguished guests.
The event was held under the invitation of Venerable Dr. Kiridiwela Sri Sumanarathana Thero. The Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Mr. Nilanga Dela, and several other civil invitees also participated in the ceremony.
In addition to the commemoration rituals, a foundation stone was laid for the construction of a new building near the Aranthalawa monument. The event included a series of religious observances, paying homage to the memory of the monks and civilians who lost their lives in the massacre.
