A powerful new documentary titled Killing the Travellers – The Untold Story of the Kurukkalmadam Massacre, 1990, directed by Baazir Kaleelur Rahman, was officially launched recently, shedding light on a largely forgotten atrocity from Sri Lanka’s civil war.
Organised by the Academy for Social Justice in collaboration with Activists Without Borders, the screening was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring prominent human rights activist Ruki Fernando, Chairman of RISE Sri Lanka Mohammed Nawaz, and community advocate Najah Mohamed.
The film revisits the harrowing events of the 1990 massacre near Kurukkalmadam in the Eastern Province, where dozens of Muslim travellers — including Hajj pilgrims — were brutally killed by the LTTE in a targeted act of violence. The documentary gives voice to survivors and communities, particularly in Kattankudy, who continue to seek truth, justice, and recognition decades after the tragedy.
Panelists reflected on the historical context of the massacre, the trauma endured by the victims’ families, and the broader marginalisation faced by Eastern Muslims during the war. The event served as both a space for remembrance and a call for accountability, amplifying suppressed narratives and reaffirming the importance of confronting Sri Lanka’s past with honesty and dignity.
The full documentary is now available to the public on YouTube. (Newswire)
