25 November 2024 03:23 pm Views - 2531
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that although the people in the North are allowed to observe Maaveerar Naal (Heroes Day) to honour their deceased relatives, they must refrain from displaying any logos, uniforms or images related to the LTTE, as it remains a proscribed organisation.
The Minister said that the government will not prevent individuals from remembering their loved ones who died during the country’s civil war.
However, he insisted that any such commemorations must comply with legal regulations and avoid any links to the banned terrorist group.
"The LTTE is a designated terrorist outfit, and there is no allowance for the display of their symbols, uniforms or images of their cadres during Maaveerar Naal on November 27," he said.
The Minister also highlighted that some groups have sought to reinterpret past commemorations in ways that might suggest support for the LTTE.
He urged the public to conduct memorials within the boundaries of the law, respecting both their right to remembrance and the country's legal framework.
Memorial events are held in the week leading up to Maaveerar Naal. Commemorations began across the North-East on November 21, to mark the first day of Maaveerar remembrance week.