A. Thangathurai, a Member of Parliament representing the Sri Lankan Tamil community, was assassinated during a visit to Sri Shanmuga Hindu Ladies College in Trincomalee. This incident took place amid the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War, a protracted conflict that erupted in 1983 between the Sri Lankan government and various Tamil militant groups. Thangathurai was a prominent figure advocating for Tamil rights and had positioned himself against the mounting violence that plagued the region.

The assassination shocked the Tamil community as Thangathurai was one of their few representatives in the parliament who sought to bring attention to their grievances. Witnesses reported the shooting occurred in broad daylight, highlighting the brazen nature of the attack. The political climate at the time was escalating toward increased violence, and many Tamil political figures faced threats as factions sought to eliminate opposing voices. Thangathurai's murder sparked panic and led to fears of further governmental oppression and retaliatory violence against Tamil civilians.

The death of Thangathurai symbolized the dangers faced by Tamil politicians and activists during the civil conflict. It also marked a significant moment in the history of the Sri Lankan Civil War, as each targeted assassination fueled mistrust between communities and stoked the flames of a long-standing ethnic struggle. His assassination not only led to national mourning among Tamils but also heightened international attention towards the ongoing crises in Sri Lanka, encouraging calls for peace negotiations and reconciliation efforts.