“Ninaivayutham” Exhibition Opens at Jaffna University to Commemorate Mullivaikkal Victims

A special exhibition titled “Ninaivayutham” was ceremonially opened today, Saturday (16), at University of Jaffna with the aim of remembering and documenting the suffering experienced during the final stages of the civil war and the Mullivaikkal tragedy.

The exhibition, organized by the University Students’ Union, features a wide range of paintings, photographs, historical records, and documentary materials that portray the experiences, losses, and memories associated with the Tamil civilian population affected during the final phase of the conflict in 2009.

Students, academics, civil society representatives, and members of the public attended the opening event, where emotional scenes were witnessed as visitors viewed artistic creations and visual displays depicting the humanitarian suffering and destruction experienced during the war.

According to the organizers, the exhibition was arranged not only as a memorial event, but also as an educational and historical platform aimed at preserving collective memories and encouraging discussions on justice, reconciliation, and human rights.

A large number of photographs displayed at the exhibition capture scenes from the final days of the war, including civilian displacement, destruction of infrastructure, humanitarian hardships, and memorial events held over the years in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

In addition to photographs, several paintings created by university students and young artists reflect themes of grief, loss, survival, remembrance, and hope for peace. Organizers stated that the exhibition seeks to communicate the emotional and historical realities of the conflict through artistic expression.

Special sections of the exhibition have also been dedicated to documentary archives and written records relating to Mullivaikkal, enabling visitors to better understand the historical background and impact of the conflict on Tamil communities in the North and East.

The organizers further emphasized that such events are important in ensuring that the experiences of affected civilians are not forgotten by future generations. They also noted that the exhibition serves as a space for reflection and dialogue among young people and the wider public.

The “Ninaivayutham” exhibition will continue until Monday (18), and visitors have been invited to attend and engage with the displays throughout the three-day event.