Alfred Duraiappah was a significant political figure in Sri Lanka, serving as the Mayor of Jaffna and previously as a Member of Parliament. On that fateful day, he was fatally shot by unknown assailants outside his office in Jaffna. Duraiappah's assassination occurred against a backdrop of increasing ethnic strife between the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka, which had been exacerbating throughout the early 1970s. The political landscape was fraught with tensions, and Duraiappah, despite advocating for the Tamil community, had faced political opposition due to his moderate views that were perceived by some as being too conciliatory towards the Sinhalese government.

The killing not only shocked the Jaffna community but also sparked widespread protests and unrest, leading to further clashes between Tamil youths and the police. His death is often cited as a pivotal moment that contributed to the escalation of violence in the region and the eventual rise of militant groups fighting for Tamil rights. Duraiappah's legacy remains contentious; while he was viewed as a leader who aimed for compromise, his assassination is seen as a signal that moderates were no longer safe in that tumultuous environment.

In the aftermath, the region faced a surge in armed conflict, eventually leading to the Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted several decades. Duraiappah's death is considered a catalyst for the violence that followed, highlighting the fragility of political dialogue in a divided society. The implications of this assassination continue to echo in the politics of Sri Lanka.