Despite the Sri Lankan army having destroyed preparations the night before, Tamils across Vavuniya gathered at the Eechchankulam Thuyilum Illam on Wednesday to mark Maaveerar Naal.

Maaveerar Naal was observed by thousands of Tamils across Europe, where they gathered in various cities to pay tribute to the fallen. 

Oberhausen, Germany

Maaveerar Naal was commemorated in destroyed thuyilum illams (LTTE cemeteries) in Mannar district on November 27.

Despite threats and obstacles from Sri Lankan security forces, thousands showed up to the thuyilum illams where the traditional commemorations took place with flames and flowers.

Across North America, Tamils stood in solidarity with those in the homeland to remember the sacrifice made and lives lost during the Tamil liberation struggle.

Thousands of British Tamils gathered in London, Oxford and Glasgow to mark Maaveerar Naal. 

London

Over 10,000 British Tamils gathered in London yesterday to pay tribute to fallen cadres. This year marks the 30th year since the tradition was started, which was established by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on 27 November 1989.

Thousands of Tamil from across Tamil Nadu held Maaveerar Naal commemorations yesterday in solidarity with Eelam Tamils after the appointment of accused war criminal Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Sri Lanka's presidency.
 

Madurai

In Madurai, tens of thousands gathered to commemorate the great loss of those who died in liberation movement. 
Senthamizhan Seeman, leader of the Naam Thamilar political party, addressed the crowd.

Thousands of Tamils in the Jaffna district attended Maaveerar Naal commemorations at thuyilum illams - destroyed LTTE cemeteries - around the district.

Koppay

Commemorations at Koppay take place close to the original site of the thuyilum illam, which is now occupied by the Sri Lankan army.

Chamal Rajapaksa, brother of Sri Lankan president and alleged war criminal Gotabaya Rajapksa, has been appointed State Minister of Defence.

He is the third in his family to receive a top tier post within the new government.

Yesterday, the Colombo High Court Judge, Pradeep Hettiarachchi lifted the imposed travel ban on Namal Rajapaksa. He is due to stand trial on February 10 having been arrested on money laundering charges.

Thousands of Tamil from across Batticaloa district attend several Maaveerar Naal commemoration events yesterday, braving Sri Lankan military intimidation.

In line with Tamils across the homeland and in the diaspora, locals lit flames and offered flowers before portraits of fallen liberation fighters.

See photographs and videos from across the district below.

Tharavai Thuyilum Illam

After weeks of preparation and threats, Maaveerar Naal was commemorated all over Mullaitivu on November 27.

Front pages of Tamil newspapers across the North-East marked Maaveerar Naal on Wednesday morning.

See a selection of the front pages below.

Thinakkural's front page highlights a memorial erected for Maaveerar in Jaffna. 

Tamils in the diaspora and across Eelam hold memorials for Maaveerar Naal (Great Heroes Day) despite the clear and present threat posed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

See this video from 47 roots above.

Writing in the Tamil Guardian on November 27th, the leaders of the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats both expressed their support for British Tamils and pledged to work with the community in their struggle for justice.