A memorial tribute for the late Thambithurai Muthukumarasamy, also known as T Kumar, a pioneering figure of the Eelam liberation struggle and a long-standing international human rights activist, was held in Batticaloa last week.
The commemoration took place at the Batticaloa American Mission Hall and was organised by the Eastern Province Association of Relatives of the Forcibly Disappeared. The event brought together relatives of the disappeared, political representatives, civil society members, and members of the public to honour Muthukumarasamy’s life and enduring legacy.
Proceedings were presided over by Mrs A. Amalnayaki, Batticaloa District President of the Association of the Forcibly Disappeared. Among those in attendance were former Batticaloa District Members of Parliament P. Ariyanethran and Govindan Karunakaram, as well as S. Nilanthan, a member of the Eravur Pattu Pradeshiya Sabha.
Representatives from neighbouring districts also participated, including Mrs Selvarani, Ampara District President, and Devi, Trincomalee District President of the Association of the Forcibly Disappeared. Members of the association from across the Eastern Province and a large number of local residents were present at the memorial.
The ceremony commenced with the laying of a floral garland by the Batticaloa District President of the Association. This was followed by the lighting of the public flame and a sacrificial flame by a member of the association, the offering of floral tributes, and the observance of a moment of silent homage in remembrance of the late activist.
Thereafter, a memorial statement prepared collectively by representatives from eight districts was read aloud by the Batticaloa District President. The statement reflected on Muthukumarasamy’s contributions to the early political mobilisation of the Tamil nation, his later work within international human rights institutions, and his lifelong commitment to justice for victims of enforced disappearance and state violence.
Memorial addresses followed, situating Muthukumarasamy’s life within the broader history of Tamil resistance and the ongoing struggle for truth, accountability, and dignity in the Tamil homeland.
