The 33rd anniversary commemoration of the death of Colonel Kittu and nine other Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was held in Theravil, Mullaitivu this week, in a deeply emotional and solemn event.
The remembrance event was organised by the Theravil Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam Working Committee and took place at the memorial hall located within the Theravil Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam premises. The programme was conducted under the leadership of the Chairman of the Working Committee and was attended by a wide cross-section of the local community.
Sathasivam Krishnakumar alias Colonel Kittu, and nine other LTTE cadres, committed suicide after being surrounded by Indian navy warships in 1993. Col. Kittu rose to public prominence as the LTTE’s Jaffna Commander from 1985-1987 and was based in the Paduvankarai region during the first phase of the war. He was later appointed head of the LTTE’s International Secretariat in London and was on his way home from the UK when his ship was intercepted.
The commemoration began with floral tributes being offered to the portraits of Colonel Kittu and the other Tiger cadres who lost their lives alongside him. Oil lamps were lit in their memory, garlands were placed, and a moment of silent homage was observed by those gathered. Participants then offered flowers at the memorial, as the remembrance ceremony unfolded.
Among those present were Vanni District Member of Parliament T Ravikaran; Puthukudiyiruppu Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Velayutham Karikalan; Puthukudiyiruppu Pradeshiya Sabha Member Kumaravelu Akilan; and former Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha Member Shanmugarajah Jeevarajah.
Political representatives, activists, members of the Theravil Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam Working Committee, students, and members of the public also took part in the event, highlighting the broad community participation.
In addition to the commemorative observances, the organisers distributed learning materials and saplings to students who attended the event. This gesture was intended to link remembrance with the nurturing of future generations, reinforcing the message that the sacrifices of the past must inspire education, growth, and resilience among Tamil youth.
