Towns across the northern province came to a standstill today due to a hartal campaign launched as a protest against the recent rape and murder of a 13-year-old school girl in Ukkulankulam, Vavuniya.

Shops were closed down and public transport services came to a standstill this morning due to the hartal. Protesters demand a proper investigation and arrest of the perpetrators of the crime.

A large protest was also held yesterday in Vavuniya against the crime.