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Unforgettable Day

On 9 July 1995, the Sri Lankan armed forces dropped eight rocket bombs on Navali Church and its surroundings in Jaffna. The church was crammed with civilians who had sought refuge when they realized the army was bombing their area. 155 bodies of civilians were recovered from the church and its surroundings and 250 people were injured. There is no doubt that the Sri Lankan armed forces deliberately dropped a bomb at a place where there was a maximum density of people gathered. The church was also targeted by the army after they dropped leaflets telling people to stay safe in temples and churches. Thirteen babies were among the dead.

Survivor of Navali Church Massacre: Vaithiyalingam Kamalanathan

“That morning, from about 4.00 am we were heard bombing sounds from the SLA during Operation Leap Forward. People from Chulipuram had grabbed all their belongings and started moving along Navali Road. All of us, small, young, and old were helping and feeding these displaced people at St Peters church with food and drink. We did this all day.

Since I did not go to the temple in the morning – I went at 4.30 pm with my son through the paddy fields. At about 4.35 pm we heard a very big bomb blast and saw clouds of smoke. We immediately knew something had happened at Navali.

When I ran back to my house, the road was filled with fallen trees and buildings. In my house my wife was bleeding from here [chest]. My daughter was injured in her head and hand. Blood was running.

I ran to the other houses nearby. One of my neighbour’s family were all laying dead. My elder son’s daughter was injured. My sister’s husband said that we could do no more for my sister. He said to go and look after my family. My wife died at the hospital asking me to look after our children.”

Parish priest:

“It was Sunday morning. People were being displaced here as the Operation Leap Forward was taking place. People of this area welcome them and were supplying them with food and drinks. I was at St Andrews church in Manipay when I heard that people were gathering in St Peters Church in Navali. So I rushed over here. On my way here, I heard the bombers in the air. One of the bombers was loading I ran and hid behind a wall. I saw this people being bombed. I ran here after the bombing and saw that people were scattered here and there - killed.

The church was damaged. People were screaming and shouting. People who were taking shelter in this area were bombed. People are still saddened and worried about this. People hope that this situation will change and that peace will prevail in this country."

10 July 2006

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