Burning of Jaffna library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burning of Jaffna library |
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Burnt shell of the library
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| Location | Jaffna, Sri Lanka |
| Date | June 1, 1981 (+6 GMT) |
| Target | Primarily Sri Lankan Tamil |
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Attack type
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Burning, shooting |
| Weapons | Fire, Guns |
| Deaths | 4 |
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Non-fatal injuries
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Unknown |
| Perpetrators | UNP pro Sinhalese mob gang |
The burning of the Jaffna Public Library was a sad event that happened at the main library in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It was one of the key moments that led to the start of the Sri Lankan Civil War. On June 1, 1981, a group of people, mainly Sinhalese, set fire to the library. This library was very important to Sri Lanka and was one of the largest in Asia.
This event was a very serious example of book burning that happened because of differences between ethnic groups in the 20th century. When it was destroyed, the library held over 97,000 books and old writings.
Contents
A Sad Day for Books
The Jaffna Public Library was not just a building; it was a symbol of knowledge and culture. It held many rare books, old palm-leaf writings, and important historical documents. For many years, it was a place where people could learn and share ideas.
What Happened?
On June 1, 1981, a group of people attacked the library. They set it on fire, destroying almost everything inside. This act was part of a bigger period of unrest and violence between different groups in Sri Lanka. The attack on the library was seen as an attack on the Tamil people's history and knowledge. Four people also died during these events.
Why Was the Library So Special?
The Jaffna Public Library was a treasure. It had a huge collection of books, newspapers, and ancient manuscripts. Many of these were unique and could not be found anywhere else. It was a place where students, teachers, and anyone who loved to learn could find information. Its destruction was a great loss for everyone who valued education and history.
Rebuilding Hope
After the fire, people worked hard to repair the library. In 1984, some repairs were made. However, the Sri Lankan Civil War had already begun, and the building was damaged several more times during the fighting.
Finally, in 1998, the President of Sri Lanka tried to bring peace between the Sinhalese and Tamil sides. Efforts to rebuild the library began again. In 2003, the newly rebuilt Jaffna Public Library officially reopened. It stands today as a symbol of hope and the importance of knowledge, even after difficult times.
Images for kids
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Damaged dome with holes made by shelling
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Jaffna Public Library being rebuilt, with partly burned right-wing. At the front is a statue of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning.
