Thileepan's sacrifice commemorated across Tamil homeland

Events took place across the North-East today to mark 38 years since the death of LTTE political leader Thileepan, who undertook a hunger strike until death 38 years ago.

 

Nallur, Jaffna

In Nallur, hundreds gathered at the now destroyed memorial that was constructed where Thileepan undertook as his fast, as well as at the nearby exhibition to pay their respects.

 

 

Mannar

In Mannar, the Tamil National Right to Life Movement, also held commemorations to mark the sacrifice of Lt. Col. Thileepan.

The event was held under the leadership of V.S. Sivakaran, president of the movement.

During the commemoration, a flame of remembrance was lit before Thileepan's portrait, garlands and flowers were offered, and tributes were paid in solemn silence.

The remembrance gathering was attended by many, including human rights activist Rev. Fr. Jayabalan Croos Adigalar, who paid their respects.

A separate event was also organised by the Mannar branch of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) at 10:30 a.m. in the YMCA Hall, Mannar.

The commemoration, presided over by former Member of Parliament E. Charles Nirmalanathan, began with the lighting of the flame before the portrait of Thileepan, followed by the garlanding and floral tribute.

Subsequently, remembrance speeches were delivered.

Representatives of the Mannar branch of the ITAK, members of local government bodies, and supporters of the party were among those present who paid their respects.

 

Mullaitivu

At Puthukkudiyiruppu town, the 38th commemoration of Thileepan's death was organized by the Puthukkudiyiruppu Traders’ Association.

In Vattrappalai, the event was held under the leadership of Karaituraipattru Pradeshiya Sabha member Gnanathas Yuth Prasad.

Likewise, in the Mulliyawalai region, a commemoration took place under the leadership of Karaituraipattru Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Chinnarasa Yogeswaran.

 

Point Pedro, Jaffna

A remembrance event for Thileepan was also held at a memorial monument dedicated to him in the Point Pedro area.

 

 

University of Jaffna

Staff and students also paid their respects to Thileepan at the University of Jaffna campus.

A commemoration programme commenced within the campus at 12 noon, with the lighting of the common flame, followed by tributes as members of the university community garlanded and offered flowers before the portrait of Thileepan.

The event was attended by university students, lecturers, and non-academic staff alike.

 

Velanai, Jaffna

Another commemoration event was held at a memorial in Velanai Vangalavadi, Jaffna.

Saplings were distributed as part of the observance.

 

Trincomalee

Commemorations also took place at a hall near the Sivan Temple in Trincomalee, where a portrait of Thileepan was displayed.

During the remembrance, human rights activists and affected families participated, offering floral tributes.

In addition, human rights activist and coordinator of the North-East Social Movement, Mr. Kandumani Lavakusarasa, delivered a memorial address.