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Sri Maha Bodhi Massacre: A Grim Reminder of LTTE Terrorism and Crimes Against Humanity



On May 14, 1985, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) carried out one of the most brutal attacks in Sri Lanka’s history-the Anuradhapura massacre-targeting the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi shrine and the surrounding area. This massacre resulted in the cold-blooded killing of 146 men, women, and children, including monks and nuns worshipping at the Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest living tree and a symbol of profound spiritual significance in Buddhism.

The brutal and calculated attack carried out by the LTTE, marking their first major attack outside Tamil-majority areas. The militants hijacked a bus to enter Anuradhapura, a city sacred to the Buddhist majority. Upon arrival, they opened indiscriminate fire with automatic weapons at the main bus station, killing and wounding numerous civilians waiting for transportation.


The attackers then proceeded to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi shrine, one of Buddhism’s most revered sites, housing the sacred Bo tree believed to be a sapling from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,200 years ago. There, the LTTE terrorists gunned down monks, nuns, and worshippers inside the shrine, desecrating a site symbolizing peace and spiritual devotion. In total, 146 Sinhalese men, women, and children were slaughtered during the massacre.


After the attack on the shrine, the militants moved to Wilpattu National Park, where they took the park warden hostage and massacred 24 employees of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, with only one survivor. The massacre was reportedly ordered by LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and executed under the command of LTTE Mannar zone leader Victor (Marcelline Fiyuslas).


The brutal massacre shocked the nation and intensified ethnic tensions. The attack provoked violent retaliations against Tamil civilians in Anuradhapura, leading to further loss of life and destruction.


The Sri Maha Bodhi is not merely a tree; it is a living link to the enlightenment of Lord Buddha, having been nurtured for over two and a half millennia. It stands as a beacon of peace, harmony, and religious devotion for Buddhists worldwide. The LTTE’s attack on this sacred site was not only an assault on innocent lives but also a deliberate attempt to strike at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.


The LTTE’s campaign of terror, marked by massacres, bombings, and systematic violence, constitutes crimes against humanity and war crimes. Their ruthless tactics-including the Anuradhapura massacre-reflect a blatant disregard for human life and international humanitarian law. These acts have left deep scars on Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic society and have prolonged decades of conflict and suffering.


It is imperative that the LTTE responsible for such brutal attacks face full prosecution under international law. Accountability is essential to deliver justice to the victims and to deter future acts of terrorism. Sri Lanka and the global community must unite in condemning these atrocities and ensuring that those who perpetrate such crimes are held responsible.


The massacre at Sri Maha Bodhi remains a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism. Upholding the sanctity of this sacred site and protecting the rights and lives of all Sri Lankans must be a priority in the ongoing pursuit of peace and reconciliation.

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