A newly published book from the Swiss-based Puradsi Media and ‘Phoenix - the Next Generation’, provides a historical look back through the early years of the armed struggle.

‘Rise of the Tigers’, the second publication from the organisations, compiles rare photographs, newspaper clippings and in-depth biographies to provide unprecedented details about the founding members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the formation of the leading Tamil armed movement.

Starting with an overview of events that led to the formation of the LTTE, the book goes on to document in meticulous detail the early armed operations and the movement’s first martyrs. Alongside first person accounts of operations, such as of the LTTE’s then most daring attack on Sri Lankan soldiers at Thiruneveli, and early literature released by the LTTE, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the operations of a burgeoning militancy.

As a follow up to their first publication, ‘Structures of Tamil Eelam’, the book is a well-researched historical record of a period, that through destruction and censorship, has only a handful of surviving documentation.

“Both our publications are merely the foundational steps of our archival process,” writes Nitarshan, co-ordinator of the Puradsi Media Division in the introduction. “It is crucial to preserve this unwavering legacy which has been cemented through the infinite sacrifices made by both our martyrs and our people.”

You can purchase your copy of the book and see more from Puradsi Media here.