Pesalai Housing Scheme Massacre

December 23, 2005
Pesalai, Mannar District
Burning alive / Retaliation
4
Killed
1
Children Killed
1
Women Killed

What Happened

After a claymore mine hit a Navy vehicle, Navy personnel retaliated by spraying bullets into the housing scheme. They burnt alive 4 civilians including the Cruz couple (an elderly couple), Mrs. Fernando and her 3-year-old son. A burnt arm of the 3-year-old and items from his mother's handbag were later found among the ashes.

Perpetrators

Sri Lankan Navy

Sources & References

  • NESOHR - Lest We Forget Volume II
  • NESOHR report January 2006

Documented Victim Demographics

Based on victims with documented names and details

Documented Victims (3 names)

# Name Age Occupation
1 -
2 -
3 -
Children (age ≤ 12)