35 years since Kumuthini boat massacre by Sri Lankan Navy

15 May 2020

Today marks 35 years since 36 Tamils were massacred by Sri Lankan Navy officers on board the Kumuthini boat on May 15, 1985. 

File photograph

Eye witnesses reported seeing six plain clothed Navy officers boarding the Kumuthini boat and pointing a gunat passengers before ordering them to come up to the main deck one by one and shout their name and destination.

The names of those who lost their lives in the Kumuthini boat massacre

Each passenger was then hacked to death. Witnesses reported seeing hacked body parts and blood across the deck. 

Amnesty International identified 23 of the victims and recorded eye witness accounts of those who survived the massacre. 

The Sri Lankan minister for national security at the time, Lalith Athulathmudali however denied the Sri Lankna navy's involvement. 

35 years have passed since the massacre but the perpetrators have not faced justice.