The Nagerkovil school bombing occurred as the Sri Lankan government intensified its military operations against the LTTE during the protracted Sri Lankan Civil War. On September 22, 1995, the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted an aerial bombing in the Nagerkovil area, which predominantly housed ethnic Tamils, including many students. The military's objective was to attack suspected LTTE positions, but the outcome was devastating, claiming the lives of at least 34 individuals, many of whom were children attending school. This incident starkly illustrates the often-blurred lines between military targets and civilian populations in conflict zones.

This particular bombing drew both local and international condemnation, highlighting issues of human rights abuses amid the ongoing conflict. The event gained prominence due to the tragic nature of the casualties—innocent children—and raised serious ethical questions about military strategies employed by the government. As the Sri Lankan military continued to operate aggressively against Tamil populations, incidents like the Nagerkovil bombing were seen as emblematic of the broader humanitarian crisis affecting millions caught in the conflict.

The tragedy not only intensified local grievances among the Tamil community but also amplified international scrutiny regarding the Sri Lankan government's approach to war and peace. The repercussions of the bombing were echoed in subsequent protests and calls for accountability, both within Sri Lanka and abroad, where human rights organizations began to advocate more fervently for the rights of civilians in conflict areas. The bombing became part of the narrative of suffering that Tamils faced during the Civil War, contributing to a growing sense of injustice and the call for political solutions that would respect ethnic identities and reduce violence.