Veerachcholai | |
|---|---|
  Veerachcholai | |
| Coordinates: 7°22′0″N81°45′0″E / 7.36667°N 81.75000°E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province7 | Eastern |
| District | Ampara |
Veerachcholai is a rural village in the Ampara District within the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Most residents are Sri Lankan Tamilians, a minority and are farmers.
According to local chronicles, Veeramunai was founded by early settlers in a medieval feudal division known as Nadukadu. This took place during the pre-colonial period (prior to 1505 CE). Feudal lords known as Vanniar (resident in the village) controlled large swaths of farmland surrounding the village. These farm holdings led to conflicts with the residents of the larger nearby town of Sammanthurai. A majority of the residents of Sammathurai were members of the Sri Lankan Muslim minority, which added to the conflict.
In 1954, after a local conflict, a mob from Sammanthurai burned Veeramunia. About 75% of the villagers left Veeramunai and set up satellite settlements such as Malwattai, Kanapathipuram and Veerachcholai at a safe distance from Sammanthurai. Veeramunai land holdings were eventually sold to residents of Sammanthurai and, consequently, the village declined in size and population.
During the 1990s, villagers were further disrupted by the insurgency and counter-insurgency operations of the Sri Lankan Civil War. On August 12, 1990, Veeramunai refugees who were taking cover within the Hindu temple at Veeramunai were attacked by Home Guards from Sammanthurai, resulting in the death of 55 civilians. Eventually, the village was resettled by returning refugees. [1] [2]
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Malwattai is a rural village in the Ampara District situated within the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Most of the residents are minority Sri Lankan Tamils and are farmers. It was founded in 1954 as village in the jungle by refugees fleeing the burning and destruction of once larger Sri Lankan Tamil village of Veeramunai by some members of Muslim dominant Sammanthurai. Life was affected by the insurgency and counter insurgency operations during the Sri Lankan civil war. Members of the village were also present within the Hindu temple at Veeramunai as refugees when it was attacked by Home Guards from Sammanthurai on August 12, 1990 resulting in the death of 55 civilians. Subsequently the village was resettled by returning refugees.
Veeramunai is a rural village in the Ampara District situated within the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Most of the residents are minority Sri Lankan Tamils and are farmers. According to local chronicles, Veeramunai was founded by early Mukkuva settlers in a medieval feudal division called Nadukadu during the pre colonial period. Feudal lords known as Vanniar resident in the village controlled large swaths of farm land around the village and the region. These farm holdings led to considerable conflicts with residents of a demographically larger nearby town of Sammanthurai. Most residents of Sammathurai were exclusively members of the Sri Lankan Muslim minority. In 1954, a mob from Sammanthurai burned down Veeramunai after a local conflict. About 75% of the villagers left Veeramunai as refugees and setup satellite settlements like Malwattai, Kanapathipuram and Veerachcholai away from Sammanthurai. Veeramunai land holdings were eventually sold to the residents of Sammanthurai thus the village reduced in size and population considerably. During the 1990s life was affected by the insurgency and counter insurgency operations during the Sri Lankan civil war. Members of the village were also present within the Hindu temple at Veeramunai as refugees when it was attacked by Home Guards from Sammanthurai on August 12, 1990 resulting in the death of 55 civilians. Subsequently the village was resettled by returning refugees.
Sammanthurai, is a town in Ampara District of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Sammanthurai situated at 7°22′0″N81°48′0″E, is 4.8 km west of the Bay of Bengal coast. It lies between the towns of Ampara and Karaitivu along the A31 road. It is surrounded by paddy fields and it is renowned for its rice paddies and its inner harbour from ancient times.