Parents and relatives of fallen Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres are making preparations outside Alankulam Thuyilum Illam in Mullaitivu, as a Sri Lankan army base now stands on top of the cemetery which housed the graves of Tamil fighters.
Red and yellow flags have been hoisted across the barbed wires of the 65 Infantry Division's base as locals prepare to commemorate their loved ones for Maaveerar Naal.
The LTTE built Thuyilum Illams - or resting homes - across the North-East but all of the graves were destroyed by the Sri Lankan state following the end of the armed conflict. In many areas, Sri Lankan military bases now stand on top of the resting homes.
Each year, Tamils gather at the Thuyilum Illams or areas susrrounding it on November 27, to commemorate the tens of thousands of Tamils who gave their lives to the liberation struggle.
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