Sri Lanka continues with its militarisation of the Tamil homeland, from the army running inter-school dance competitions, to the navy transporting pilgrims to shrines.
Infrastructure and Education Infiltration
On 28 February 2025, troops from the 10th Battalion of Sri Lanka Artillery conducted a cleaning and painting initiative at St. Joseph College in Mathagal under the "Clean Sri Lanka" project. This programme, presented as benevolent, spanned 380 schools between 20 February and 7 March 2025, involving over 12,500 troops. Renovations at Sri Vigneswaram College in Poonaryn and Mungilaru Primary School in Udayarkattu were carried out under military supervision, further highlighting the infiltration into civilian spaces.
On 26 February 2025, the No. 02 Air Defence Radar Squadron organised a service day at Kudakachchakodiya Primary School, where they cleaned the premises, renovated facilities, and provided lunch and stationery to students. Subsequently, on 10 March 2025, the squadron commemorated its 19th anniversary at SLAF Base Vavuniya with a parade led by Leader JAK Jayawickrama. This reflects the reinforcement of military control in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The Sri Lanka Navy, meanwhile, conducted clean-ups at Thirumurikandy Hindu Vidyalaya and Ehetugaswewa Maha Vidyalaya in Mullaitivu on 4 and 13 March 2025, respectively, as part of the 'Clean Sri Lanka' project.
Military-led civilian and community engagement
Yet another project under the 'Clean Sri Lanka' banner was on 1st March 2025, where troops from the Security Force Headquarters led by Major General Y.A.B.M Yahampath conducted a coastal and road-cleaning programme in Jaffna.
On 2 March 2025, troops from the 23rd Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, led by Major E.A. Edirisinghe, distributed 40 mattresses and 40 coconut plants to families at Kovilvayal C.C.T.M school at Kilinochchi.
Culture and Religion
On 8 March 2025, under another 'Clean Sri Lanka' Project, the 542 Infantry Brigade organised a 'Cultural Dance Competition' at Mannar Town Hall. The event was themed "Values of Tamil Culture Dance" and fourteen school teams from Mannar and Madhu participated.
Portrayed as an effort to value students' skills and foster trust between the army and the local community, this initiative primarily serves to strengthen military presence in Tamil regions under the pretence of community engagement.
From 14 to 15 March 2025, the annual St. Anthony’s Shrine feast on Kachchativu Island drew over 8,500 devotees from Sri Lanka and India. The Sri Lanka Navy played a significant role in organising the event, handling infrastructure, safety, medical support, and communication. The Navy's emphasis on maritime security and its involvement with community authorities and local religious leaders, normalises military presence in religious affairs.