International Justice Sought for Saththurukkondan Massacre
13-Sep-2026.
Although 35 years have passed since the Saththurukkondan massacre, justice has still not been served. Relatives of those killed and survivors have jointly called upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and member states of the Human Rights Council to intervene to have the matter investigated through the International Criminal Court and to ensure justice through meaningful action.
The 36th commemoration of the Saththurukkondan massacre was held last week. In a statement jointly issued by survivors and relatives of those affected by the massacre, they further stated:
The Saththurukkondan massacre, in which 186 Tamil civilians were brutally killed by Sri Lankan military personnel and allied paramilitary groups, took place on 9 September 1990 at the Sri Lankan military camp at Saththurukkondan Boys' Town in Batticaloa.
At approximately 5.30 p.m. that day, the surrounding villages of Panachiyadi, Pillaiyaradi, Kokkuvil and Saththurukkondan were surrounded by Sri Lankan military personnel with the assistance of paramilitary groups. Residents of these areas were arrested and taken to the military camp, after which they disappeared. The truth subsequently came to light through a person who had escaped from the site.
Following increased international pressure, then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga appointed a Presidential Commission to investigate the incident. However, no meaningful action was taken in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission. Although the Commission identified and named the principal perpetrators, 35 years have passed without justice being served.
The Sri Lankan Government and the international community have continued to fail in delivering justice for past violations, including this massacre. Against this backdrop, we call upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the member states of the Human Rights Council to intervene and ensure justice through meaningful action in this matter.
Steps must also be taken to excavate the area where the Sri Lankan Army camp was located at Saththurukkondan Boys' Town, as well as other locations where those massacred may have been buried, and to ensure that such excavations are conducted in accordance with international standards and with the participation of international experts. It has also been urged that the matter be brought before the International Criminal Court for investigation.
