Last ruler of Vanni commemorated

Vavuniya District Secretary S.M. Saman Bandulasena garlands the Bandara Vanniyan statue opposite the District Secretariat on Tuesday to mark the 217 commemoration of Kulasekaram Variamuttu Bandara Vanniyan also known as Vanni Bandara, who is considered to be the last ruler of Vanni before the British conquered the area. As for the folklore, Vanni Bandara led the Vanni people against the British and was killed in action. Later the Vanni people have deified him and he is now considered one of the regional gods. A large number of politicians, intellectuals and state officials were present on the occasion.

Text and Pix by Dinasena Rathugamage