Thousands of British Tamils gathered at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London on Thursday, to commemorate the nation's day of remembrance - Maaveerar Naal.

The event began with the ceremonious lighting of a flame of remembrance, coinciding with the death of the first Tamil cadre killed in the struggle against Sri Lankan state oppression.

The ceremonial flame was lit by the mother of Isaipriya, a Tamil news anchor and journalist who was killed in May 2009.

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Photographs: Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC)

In London, British Tamils from across began the event with the ceremonious lighting of remembrance flames to coincide with the death of the first Tamil cadre killed in the fight against Sri Lankan state oppression.

The ceremonial flame was lit by the mother of Isaipriya, a Tamil news anchor and journalist who was killed in May 2009.

Members of the Tamil community including family members of the war dead, proceeded to pay respect to cadres throughout the day.

British MPs commemorated the dead with the Tamil community, throughout the course of the day.

Speaking at the event, Siobhain McDonagh condemned the lack of justice for the killing of hundreds of thousands of Tamils at the hands of the Sri Lankan state.

The MP went on to express disappointment at the English cricket team's decision to tour Sri Lanka when it was clear that its president "was not interested at playing by international norms and standards."

The chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, MP Lee Scott, reiterated the need to find justice for genocide. The MP added that sanctions against Sri Lanka would have to be considered if they fail to cooperate.

Expressing solidarity with the Tamil cause, Lee Scott ended,

 “you deserve to govern and decide your own future.”

A member of the Tamil Youth Organisation, highlighting disingenuous attempts by the Sri Lankan government to reconcile, said,

“behind the curtains of reconciliation our nation is being shattered. Our existence, our rights, our history is being erased.”

The chief of foreign affairs of the Kurdish National Congress, Erdelan Baran, addressed crowds and expressed solidarity with the Tamil cause for accountability, justice and self-determination.

Lathan Suntharalingma, a Tamil lawmaker who was involved with the EU trial to annul anti-terror measures on the LTTE, added,

"The LTTE legacy of leading an uncompromising struggle for the sovereignty of our people, should give us the source and inspiration to work towards such political project in the truest international sense."

Members of the Tamil community went on to remember the war dead through theatrical plays, music and dance.