Numerous commemoration events were held across the North-East marking the 35th anniversary since the death of Lt Col Thileepan, a political wing leader of the LTTE who fasted to death, in a protest appealing to the Indian government to honour pledges made to the Tamil people.

Thileepan began his fast on 15th September 1987, surrounded by over 100,000 supporters, and died 11 days later, on the 26th September 1987. 

University of Jaffna

Commemorations began at the University of Jaffna University this morning, with a communal flame lit by the university staff and students.  The went on to pay respects to Thileepan by placing flowers before a portrait at the university campus.

University students, university lecturers, university non-academic staff also participated.

Nallur

A commemoration event was also held in Nallur, outside the iconic Nallur Kandaswamy temple, where Thileepan began his hunger strike. 

Vavuniya

The 35th anniversary was also observed by the Vavuniya Disappeared Relatives Association.

In the event held at their protest site located in front of the Road Development Authority, tributes were paid to Thileepan by placing flowers and lighting lamps before a portrait of the late political leader.

Mannar

The  Thamil Thesiya Vaazhvurimai Iyakkam (Tamil National Right to Life Movement) organised commemorations for Thileepan in Mannar.

In the commemoration event led by president S Sivakaran, tributes were paid to the portrait of Lt Col. Thileepan by lighting a flame, garlanding and sprinkling flowers.

In the memorial event, human rights activist Reverend Jayabalan Croos, religious leaders, Mannar City Council Chairman Gnanaprakasam Anthony Davidson, members of the local council and representatives of public organisations attended and paid tribute.

Batticaloa

A commemoration event in Batticaloa was led by Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) organiser Kanapathipillay Gugakumararasa.