Personal data

Name
Saraswathy Varnalingam and Sumitra Varnalingam

Date of birth
1958 and 1982

Age
49 and 25

Place of birth
Eezhaalai, Jaffna

Biographical details
In the northern area of Sri Lanka in Eezhaala, Jaffna the mother Saraswathy lived together with her husband and daughter Sumitra. Saraswathy Varnalingam was 49 years old and her daughter Sumitra Varnalingam was only 25 years old. All three were killed in a bomb attack.

Indcident

Date
25.11.2007

Location
Tharmapuram, Kilinochchi

Description

The Varnalingam family was killed in a planned Sri Lankan air strike in Tharmapuram, Kilinochchi. A total of 4 civilians were killed and 6 civilians were injured. This includes other family members of the Varnalingams as well. More than 8 bombs were used in this attack, 2 houses were completely destroyed and 7 others were damaged. The bombs used in this attack caused craters up to 10 meters depth.

This attack took place on 25.11.2007. Annually on 27.11. is the memorial day for the Tamil soldiers who died in the civil war and sacrificed themselves. In order to unsettle and instill fear among the Tamil citizens, especially during this period, such attacks were carried out.

Legal situation (investigation/criminal proceedings)
No one was held accountable and there was no trial. The soldiers in charge and the Sri- Lankan officers who commanded it, were not convicted.