Historical record
What happened
On 17 April 1987, buses carrying civilians travelling along the Habarana–Trincomalee route were intercepted near Aluth Oya. Accounts of the incident describe passengers being separated and attacked. The event is commonly known as the Habarana or Aluth Oya massacre. Widely cited historical accounts record 127 civilians killed, including women and children. The attack demonstrated the vulnerability of ordinary travellers using public transportation during the conflict.
Primary documentation
Human Rights Watch – Sri Lanka historical documentation