ITAK calls hartal over alleged army killing

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has called for a hartal on August 15 across Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces, in protest against the alleged killing of a civilian by soldiers from the Sri Lankan Army’s 63rd Division.

In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran stated that the body of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj was recovered from the Muttaiyankattu Tank on August 9—two days after he and four others were reportedly summoned to an army camp and subjected to severe assault.

The ITAK noted that several soldiers have been arrested in connection with the incident and called on the president to ensure a transparent and unhindered investigation, with full accountability for those involved.

The party also urged the government to address what it termed the “excessive presence” of the military in the North and East, reiterating longstanding concerns over militarization in the region.