Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Arantalawa massacre. The Arantalawa massacre refers to the massacre of 33 Buddhist monks (mostly young novices) and four civilians by the Tamil Tigers near the village of Arantalawa in Ampara district on June 2, 1987.
The massacre is considered one of the most notorious and devastating atrocities committed by the Tamil Tigers.
The Arantalawa massacre took place near the village of Nuveratana when a bus carrying Buddhist monks and some unarmed civilians was ambushed by Tamil Tiger cadres.
They then ordered the bus driver, who was carrying the monks from the temple of Mahavapi on a pilgrimage to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, to drive into the nearby jungles of Arantalawa.
Among the dead were 30 young novices and their guru, Hegoda Sri Indrasara Thera, the head priest of Vidyananda Maha Pirivena.
