Vavuniya Court Rejects Police Bid to Restrict Thileepan Remembrance Vehicle: Stresses Need for Upholding Fundamental Rights

September 18, 2023

The Vavuniya court has dismissed an application made by the police to prohibit the movement of a Thileepan remembrance vehicle within Vavuniya. Thileepan, a prominent member of the Tamil Tigers movement, became renowned for his hunger strike at the Nallur temple in Jaffna in 1987.

The police's request for the restraining order came in response to complaints from two individuals who expressed concerns that the movement of the Thileepan remembrance vehicle could potentially disrupt public peace and racial harmony in Vavuniya.

However, the Vavuniya court, in its judgment, underscored the fundamental right of individuals to remember the deceased and participate in acts of commemoration. The court emphasized the importance of upholding the right to remembrance while also preserving the broader peace and harmony within the community.

Rather than imposing restrictions on the remembrance vehicle, the court directed the police to take proactive measures aimed at maintaining communal harmony and preventing any potential conflicts. The decision highlights the court's commitment to upholding the principles of justice, inclusivity, and the protection of individual rights while ensuring the welfare and stability of the community.