“The Sri Lankan government should not look at this as a Sinhala or Tamil issue. It should see it as a human tragedy and help. We should now ensure that the people rescued from the Tsunami devastation are protected from diseases rather than let the enormity of the tragedy make us inactive. The government of Sri Lanka should consider our people also as human beings,” said Col. Soosai, Commander of the Sea Tigers who is directing rescue and relief operations on the southern coast of Jaffna and in Mullaithivu, said in an interview to a London Tamil Television, Deepam TV, Wednesday.
Special Commander of the Sea Tigers, Col. Soosai is briefing LTTE rescue units
“No one should think in terms of Sinhala or Tamil in dealing with this disaster. It is a Sinhala driver who is working with us to recover and cremate bodies in Uduthurai,” he said.
“We asked for heavy vehicles from the Sri Lankan government for the rescue work here. But did not get any from Colombo until today. We are now using all our heavy vehicles round the clock to retrieve bodies buried under buildings and trees flattened by the Tsunami on the coasts of Vadamaradchi east and Mullaithivu. This is not adequate to deal with the crisis of this proportion. If Colombo really wanted to help our people in this crisis, it would have done so much until 28th December,” Col. Soosai said.
He said that the Tigers deployed a battalion of their troops for rescue and relief operation in Jaffna south and in Mullaithivu. “We are going to deploy another battalion today (Wednesday),” Col. Soosai said.
“We are using all our heavy vehicles to retrieve bodies trapped under buildings destroyed by the Tsunami. Even if we deploy all our resources for the rescue work it won’t be enough,” Col. Soosai said.
“Many people who survived the earthquake in Gujarat were killed later by epidemics. We should not let it happen here. We should take precautions now,” he pointed out.
“The Sri Lanka army (SLA) says that it is in Jaffna to protect the civilians there. If that is the case why is the SLA using its helicopters to search and rescue only its soldiers who are missing in the peninsula? We see what the Indian Navy are doing to help the Tsunami devastated people on the south Indian coast. The Indian Navy despite suffering losses in the disaster is actively involved in the evacuation and medical care of people in Tamil Nadu”, the commander of the Sea Tigers pointed out.
Col. Soosai said the expatriate Tamils have been playing a key role in providing financial support for the rescue and relief operations in the North East.
Asked if Sea Tigers were affected by Sunday’s disaster, Soosai responded: “In Mullaitivu three of our fighters perished. Major Dharmendra, a fighter who was assigned to provided support to him and a civilian fighter we call “Petrol Iyah,” died in the calamity. In Vattuvagal and Chaalai we didn’t suffer any losses to personnel. In Vadamaradchy east we lost three fighters manning the forward defence lines. An LTTE woman cadre who had come to Vadamaradchy East on least died in the flooding.
“Loss of lives of our cadres was limited to those I have mentioned. We suffered some additional property damage. In Trincomalee and in Batticaloa two observation posts were washed away. The losses are not that significant,” Soosai said.
Relief efforts in the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster
LTTE cadres getting ready for rescue engagement in Mullaitivu
Col. Soosai briefing Sea Tiger units
Relief efforts in the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster
—–
Tsunami official death toll hits 5000
[TamilNet, Sunday, 26 December 2004, 08:56 GMT]
Official death toll from the Tsunami waves that hit northeastern and southern coast of Sri Lanka Sunday morning was increased to 5000, Sri Lankan Defence Ministry sources told TamilNet. Government officials in the devastated eastern town Batticaloa said only about twenty five of more than thousand families in Navalady, a coastal suburb of Batticaloa, appear to have survived the massive waves.
At least 208 persons have died in Trincomale according to the district’s Government Agent, Mr. M.D.A. Rodrigo. Hundreds of people are missing in many coastal villages of the east coast and there are few facilities to search for them or care for the wounded, local officials and relief workers said.
More than 1300 people have died in the East. Scores of bodies are floating in the near the shore and in the Batticaloa lagoon, residents said.
Nilaveli, Sambaltheevu, Linganagar, Kuchchaveli, Pulmoddai, Kinniya and Mutur are among the villages that were severely hit in Trincomalee district, according to the GA of the eastern district.
Mullaitivu district is also badly affected. Officials say that many parts of the district are still inaccessible and it was difficult to provide damage estimates or death tolls there.
Around 200 bodies are brought to Kilinochchi Hospital from both Vadamaradchi East and Mullaitivu. Around 1600 severely injured persons from Mullaitivu and Vadamaradchy East have also been admitted to the Kilinochchi hospital, according to sources.
Meanwhile civil sources in Jaffna District said that they feared around 100 have died in Jaffna district. Civil sources in Mullaitivu District also report heavy losses along the coast.
Kaddaikadu, Uduthurai, Aaliyawalai, Chempianpattu, Maruthankerni, Vettilaikerni villages in Vadamaradchy East are severely affected by flash flooding. More than 1000 people are reported missing in these villages.
Sea Tigers wing of Liberation Tigers, Officers of Tamileelam police and volunteers from Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) are attending to the immediate urgent needs of the affected public.
Sri Lanka declared a state of National Disaster, according to the Presidential Secretariat. Meanwhile, reports from the southern parts of Sri Lanka said that more than 250 are dead. Two hundred bodies have been brought to the Galle Hospital, according to reports. Seventy bodies of persons killed by the waves were brought to the government hospital in Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Police said.
Damages caused by Tsunami in the northern town of Pt.Pedro.
Damages caused by Tsunami in the northern town of Pt.Pedro.
On the 14th June 2018, the Federal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland comprehensively rejected the case put forward by the Swiss prosecutor office against a group of Eelam Tamil activists. As reported in the ‘Tagesanzeiger’, one of the main Swiss newspapers today: ‘Gian-Andrea Danuser, who defended one of the credit intermediaries, described the verdict as very precise, strong and courageous. The court was not afraid to comment on the political implications of this case.’
From the time when the court case began in January this year, our website was dedicated to pointing out the dangerous political implications of this case. The fact of the matter is that the prosecutor, in order to prove that the LTTE was a terrorist and a criminal organisation rehearsed the most outrageous Sinhala chauvinist arguments. These were comprehensively rejected by the judges – ruling that in their view the evidence did not lead them to the conclusion that the LTTE was a terrorist or criminal organisation. The presiding judge went on the effectively reprimand the prosecutor, stating that the federal court was not the venue to even make such an examination.
Instead the judges ruled that Tamil activists leading the World Tamil Coordinating Committee in Switzerland used fraudulent methods to enable a considerable number of swiss Tamils to obtain loans from a bank. The judges gave that main leaders non-custodial sentences and token fines – stating again that the prosecutor had been wrong to politicise the case. This completely repudiated the demand from the prosecutor that one of the accused is given a custodial sentence of 6 and a half years – based on support for terrorism!
There was much invested by the prosecution portray the Tamil activists as criminals and terrorists. For this project – the Swiss authorities were willing to launch the biggest court case in its history – spending more than 4 million Francs. The prosecutors arguments – some that will even make a hardened Sinhala racist blush – like blaming the Tamil refugees for causing the death of their brothers and sisters in their homeland – have appeared in the Swiss media during the past year. This case has retraumatised the Tamil Diaspora community in Switzerland. Several weeks ago, speaking about the effect of the court case, a young Tamil socialised in Switzerland said this in the Tagesanzeiger: ‘I feel it in the tram, at the train station, on the street: people look at me and think I’m a terrorist. So, my Swiss passport is no longer worth anything’,… ‘I thought, I know Switzerland. Why does she disappoint me so much? Why does she take away my dignity, by not recognizing an important part of my self-image?’
The political component of this trial within Switzerland – will not be halted by the decision of the court alone. But the decision of the court is a powerful message to Switzerland and to other countries specially in Europe to revert to an honourable position of supporting peace through negotiation like they did at the beginning of the peace process in 2002. It is a riposte to the political steamroller by those international forces that supported the military solution in Sri Lanka – the political steamroller that justifies their position – which can only be done if the Tamil side is criminalised and blamed for the terrible events in 2009. This court decision has opened up a political space for the Eelam Tamils in the homeland and well as in the Diaspora.
People should understand that this decision has not come like Manna from heaven. It has come because of a hard political/legal battle. You cannot win political space for Eelam Tamils without a struggle.
Dont blame the victims! Solidarity from Equador
First step would be to appreciate superb and aggressive defence by the lawyers and the political solidarity which helped to shine an international spotlight to the case. The Indigenous people in Ecuador, with their early input to our selfie campaign played a leading role again. Again, I say, because theirs was the first community to recognise the Tamil genocide when they held a commemoration in Quito in May 2016.
We should also recognise the magnificent input to the selfie campaign by the 17th May movement in Tamil Nadu. And the solidarity from the Basque activists, Rohingya refugees in Ireland and activists from all over the world. The Korean peace movement recognised that the current period of discussions between the North and the South was very similar to 2002 when the peace process in Sri Lanka began. Their participation in the selfie campaign was based on the deep understanding that the international forces that were intent on sabotaging a negotiated solution between the north and the south Korea were the same as in the Sri Lanka -Tamil Eelam situation. The Japanese peace activists made an open stand with us with the same understanding – knowing also that Japan’s role in Sri Lanka then was very similar to its role in the Korean situation now.
Solidarity from Germany
Our political campaign shows the merit of depending on our real allies – they are the ones who will bravely put themselves forward – it is developing these allies that will take the struggle forward. False friends, although they might appear powerful and alluring will not help us to build a solid international political space.
Early in the process – on the 16th January – Philippe Graf, one of lawyers defending the Tamils asks the court in Bellinzona:
‘Your refusals are less well motivated than my questions. But why these refusals? And what are we to think about them? Wherever one goes in this tower of Babel, in this enormous dossier, one always ends up blocked in front of a door, always the same door, that no-one seems to be able to open. Which power keeps us from looking behind? Is there something more powerful than this court? Something more influential than the laws of the parliament? Is there a fourth power that guides you in your refusals? And, then I ask myself: Is this not a political trial after all?’
Our organisation will take steps to find evidence to uncover this fourth power.
All laws for the Administration of justice in Tamileelam are made by Proclamation issued by the National Leader of Tamileelam Velupillai Pirapaharan from time to time.
The Judicial Administration Division of the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam undertakes the drafting of all necessary laws. These laws are submitted to the National leader and when accepted and proclaimed by him, become laws binding in all persons in Tamileelam.
In terms of such laws, the following Courts of Justice have been structured and are functioning.
1. The Supreme Court.
2. The Court of Appeal.
3. Special Courts (Sits only if and when required)
4. High Court.
5. District Court (civil)
6. District Court (criminal)
All appointments promotions and transfers of Judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal shall be made by the National Leader.All appointments, promotions, dismisal and disciplinary control of Judges of High Courts, District Courts and the staff are made by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Head of the Judicial Administration Division.
Supreme Court
This court consists of a Chief Justice and four other Puisne Judges appointed by the National Leader. It has jurisdiction over the whole of Tamileelam.The Supreme Court is the Final Appellate Court with powers of correction of all errors in fact or in law in appeals from the Court of Appeal and Special Court. All appeal cases are heard and determined by all the five Judges of the Supreme Court sitting together. In the event of a difference of opinion among the Judges the majority decision prevails.
Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal consists of three judges appointed by the National Leader. One of the three Judges shall be designated president by the National Leader. It has jurisdiction over the whole of Tamileelam.The Court of Appeal is vested with appellate jurisdiction from judgements of all High Courts and District Courts including the correction of errors in fact and errors of Law.
The three Judges of the Court of Appeal sit together and hear all appeals. In the event of a difference of opinion among the judges the majority decision prevails.
Special Courts
This court is constituted with three Judges sitting together, appointed by the Chief Justice with the consultation of the head of Judicial Administration Division to hold the trials of Criminal/Civil cases arising out of incidents and circumstances of unforseen and unprovided for situations. This court is constituted by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Head of the Judicial Administration Division of Tamileelam. These Ad-hoc courts are constituted for Ad-hoc purposes and cease to function after conclusion of each case.
High Court
High Court has Jurisdiction to try certain criminal cases like Treason, Murder, Rape and Arson according to the previsions. The Court shall be presided by a single Judge appointed by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Judicial Administration Division..
District Court (civil)
This Court shall be the original Court with the Jurisdiction in respect of all civil cases. District court Judge shall be appointed by the Chief Justice in consultation with Judicial Administration Division.
District Court (criminal)
This Court shall be the Original Court with Jurisdiction in respect of criminal cases not specifically reserved for High Courts. Appeals lie to be High Court from orders and Judgements. Judges of this court are appointed by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Judicial Administration Division.
A Law College under aegis of the Liberation Tiger s of Tamileelam has been functioning from 1992. The subjects include Jurisprudence and International Law apart from the Personal and Property Laws applicable to the people of Tamileelam and the Laws of Civil and Criminal Proceedure and Evidence. Study Courses are devided into Internal and External Courses of Studies.
i) Internal Course of Studies has five terms extending to 3 years.
ii) External Course of Studies extends to 3 years.
All Students sit for the same examinations and on successful completion of studies are entitled to be enrolled as Attorneys-at-Law (Lawyers) as aforesaid.
Ceremonial opening of Legislation Secretariat of Judicial Administration of Tamileelam
Ceremonial opening of Legislation Secretariat of the Judicial Administration of Tamileelam was held on 26.07.2005 at 10 A.M. Traditional oil lamp was lightened by Mr.Pon Thiyagam who is in charge of Martyrs Home of Tamileelam. Tamileelam National flag was hoisted by the Head of Tamileelam Police. Unveiling of Legislation Secretariat Name Board was done by Mr.Balakumar, senior member of the LTTE.
Legislation Secretariat Building was ceremonially opened by cutting cord by the Head of Political wing of Tamileelam Mr.S.P.Tamilchelvan and the Law Library was opened by Dr.Nithiyananthan. Where so many attorneys at Law and Judges of Tamileelam from Mannar and Mullaitivu and attorneys at Law and Retired Judges from Vavuniya and Jaffna were present M.P for Mannar Mr.Selvam Adaikalanathan was also present at the occasion. Inquirers into sudden deaths and all J.PP were invited for occasion.
Following this, public meeting was held with Mr.Pararayasingam, the Head of Judicial Administration was the chair in a decorated Pandol. Some attorneys at Law from Vavuniya and Jaffna were called upon to lit the traditional oil lamp before the start of the meeting.
Mr.Nadesan was called upon to deliver a speech, who clearly expressed the progress made in the judicial administration of Tamileelam. Further said, that the Construction of building for legislation secretariat is a milestone indicating the progress made on a path of Tamils freedom fighting efforts. Even this building was funded by a well-wisher Dr.Nithiyananthan.
Later, the Head of Political wing Mr.S.P.Tamilchelvan was called upon to deliver a speech as a special invitee of the meeting. He expressed explicitly the current Political Situation of Tamileelam and the Governments motivated deceiving mentality through out.
At last a vote of thanks was delivered by Mr.Elankathir, the Deputy Head of Legislation Secretariat.
We, the Judicial Administration Division of Tamileelam invoke the assistance of well-wishers from all over the world whether financial or in kind to enable us to uplift the Judiciary to meet the needs of the people of Tamileelam.
Specially Law books on International Standards are urgently required to meet the needs of the Law students of our Law College.
Those who are willing, kindly contact the following address:-
Email: para@eelamjudicial.org
lawcollege@eelamjudicial.org
Telephone: +94-21-228-5055
Fax: +94-21-228-5055
Thanking you all
with kind regards,
Judicial Administration Division.
—
Thamil Eelam judiciary said a basis for rebuilding northeast [TamilNet, Thursday, 30 October 2003]
“The purpose of the LTTE’s legal system is to create a crime free environment where adjudication of civil and commercial disputes is fair and expeditious. This is the essential foundation on which one can rebuild Tamil society to achieve economic development and prosperity,” said Mr. E. Pararajasingham (Para), head of the Judicial Division of the Liberation Tigers, in an in depth interview with TamilNet this week about the LTTE’s legal system. “The very instruments designed to subvert the Rule of Law in the northeast were eventually turned on the Sinhala people too,” he points out.
“The manner in which the PTA was used to humiliate and oppress the Tamil people is a good example of the total failure and insensitiveness of the Sri Lankan judiciary in upholding the principle of the Rule of Law,” Mr. Pararajasingham said.
TamilNet interviewed the head of the LTTE’s Judicial Division at the Tamil Eelam Courts Complex in Kilinochchi.
TamilNet: Why did you create a separate judicial system? Was there any particular political reason or was it due to the exigency of circumstances?
Para: Let me first explain the political background. It is now generally accepted that the Sri Lankan constitution does not reflect the sovereign will or the aspirations of the Tamil people. It is the indubitable expression of Sinhala Buddhist supremacy in this island, drawn up by the Singhalese for the Singhalese. The Tamils were not in any manner, even for mere cosmetic purpose, associated in drafting or promulgating this constitution.
In any democracy sovereignty is vested in the people and is inalienable. The Tamils exercised their sovereignty to give a mandate for a separate state. It was never exercised in any manner to endorse the Sri Lankan constitution. In fact Tamils were deliberately excluded from its drafting and promulgation in 1978. This is why it remains an utterly inflexible unitary Sinhala Buddhist constitution. Eminent Tamil jurists and political scientists have elaborated on all this.
Therefore it is an illegitimate constitution designed to perpetuate Sinhala Buddhist hegemony and oppress the Tamils. It naturally follows that it would be preposterous for the Tamil people, particularly those living in the liberated parts of the Tamil homeland, to seek legal remedies from the judiciary established under the Sinhala hegemonic constitution. These, in brief, are the political and legal imperatives that underlay the creation of the Thamil Eelam judicial system.
Incidentally, the argument that the chapter on fundamental rights in the Sri Lankan constitution provides the framework for Tamils to realise their rights and aspirations is insidious and specious. This view is now being widely touted to the international community by some so called Sinhala liberals and unscrupulous Sinhala Marxists as a panacea to the Tamil people’s problems. I must also draw attention once more to the fact that the Sri Lankan constitution’s chapter on fundamental rights does not speak about the right to life.
It is comical how after the Sri Lankan state totally subverted the Rule of Law in the northeast – brutally wiping entire communities in several parts of the Tamil Homeland in the process- these so called Sinhala liberals and Marxists are trying to convince the world that the chapter on fundamental rights in the Sri Lankan constitution guarantees the Tamils all the rights and freedoms due to every citizen in a fully fledged democracy. This chapter in the final analysis is an utter travesty because the Sri Lankan constitution as a whole is designed precisely to prevent the Tamils from realising their rights and legitimate aspirations. This basic truth has been borne out well since 1972 when the first Sinhala Buddhist constitution was promulgated.
Mr. Pararajasingham
TamilNet: How do you envisage the role of the Tamil Eelam judicial system and laws in the present context of the LTTE’s efforts to rebuild the northeast? – Particularly in view of possible negotiations on a establishing an interim administration for the northeast.
Para: Rebuilding society in the northeast is often understood in terms of construction, laying of roads, repairing of water reservoirs, etc. But it is often overlooked that all this would be viable in the long term only if the moral fabric of our society, tattered by long years of war, destruction and displacement, is knit tightly together again. A crime free environment where adjudication of civil and commercial disputes is fair and expeditious is the essential foundation on which one can rebuild a society to achieve economic development and prosperity. This also is necessary to build a strong sense of confidence in the minds of the people who have seen all normal structures of their society fall apart under the relentless onslaught of Sri Lankan state terrorism on Thamil Eelam.
There is also another important reason behind our leader’s decision to establish a law and order system in Thamil Eelam.
States often control oppressed peoples by subverting the Rule of Law among them. By definition, denying a people their rights means the subversion or destruction of the Rule of Law, which is the expression of a people’s Sovereign Will. To conquer a people one has to break their collective will to remain sovereign. Therefore the public and covert strategies of imperial and oppressor states to crush peoples’ legitimate struggles for their rights and to plunder resources in third world countries have the ultimate effect of subverting the Rule of Law. Look at mineral rich countries in Africa like Congo; look at oil rich Middle East countries. This is why we wanted to lay a strong foundation for ensuring the Rule of Law in Thamil Eelam as an expression of the Tamil speaking people’s Sovereign Will.
The draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was introduced in 1979 with the specific aim of subverting the Rule of Law in the Northeast. Tamils as a whole were exposed to the racist whims of the Sri Lankan armed forces to which the PTA gave a legal blank cheque for indiscriminate arrest, torture and detention. The PTA, in conjunction with the Emergency Regulations (ER) precipitated a total break down of the Rule of Law in the northeast. Also, in enunciating fundamental rights, the Sri Lankan constitution does not speak of the right to life. The scant regard the Sri Lankan state and armed forces had for Tamil lives has been well recorded.
Therefore our people had neither political nor practical reasons for reposing any faith in the Sri Lankan judicial system. Incidentally, one should note here that these very instruments designed to subvert the Rule of Law in the northeast were eventually turned on the Sinhala people too. So much so that the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) quite rightly stated recently: “the serious degeneration of Sri Lanka’s judiciary is now a matter of public record, both within the country and internationally.”
Therefore we as a liberation movement had to come up with an expeditious solution to prevent the collapse of the social order in the northeast while creating structures that would reflect the Sovereign Will of our people. So in the beginning we established mediation boards (Inakka Saphai) at the village level. These functioned from 1984 to 1992. But the mediation board system was a failure mainly because there was no legal code as basis for adjudication and because many of those who sat on the mediation boards weren’t educated and trained in law. It created a lot of problems for the Liberation Movement and led to frictions with society.
TamilNet: If that was the case, why did you let the mediation board system go on for so long – almost eight years?
Para: In the beginning we were a guerrilla organisation, engaging in hit and run tactics against the Sri Lankan armed forces. We had no stable control over large territories or populations. Therefore we neither had the resources nor the environment to set up and run a proper judicial system. But in 1993, as soon as we were in control of most of the north, our leader established the Tamil Eelam Judiciary and College of Law.
TamilNet: What is the structure of your judicial system now?
Para: There are six district courts – in Kilinochchi (Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts), Mallavi (for the Vavuniya District), Jeyapuram (Mannar District), Puthukkudiyiruppu (Mullaithivu District), Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
Each court has a Family Counselling Unit.
There are two high courts – one in Kilinochchi and the other is Mullaithivu.
The Thamil Eelam courts have heard 24000 cases and delivered judgements on 20000 so far – that is since they were first established ten years ago.
There is an appeal court in Kilinochchi and we have created a ‘Special Bench’ to hear cases rejected by the Appeal Court.
We have also established a Review Committee on Appeal for Pardon to which those who have been sentenced to death can have recourse.
TamilNet: Is this Special Bench the equivalent of a supreme court?
Para: We wouldn’t yet call it that. But it functions as a kind of apex body of the Thamil Eelam judicial system.
TamilNet: Critics in the south say that your judiciary is not really independent – that it is a travesty of justice. What do you say?
Para: This is part of the subtle smear campaign to discredit our system – to delegitmise it. It is for the Tamil people to decide how fair and expeditious our judiciary is. And there are already very clear signs that given a choice people prefer to bring their disputes to our courts. We are in the process of evolving – learning from experience and knowledge of other judicial systems in the world.
I must also add here that the contours of the space within which our legal system has to function is quite limited by political, economic and military pressures. But as this space expands in the future we would be in a position to adopt measures that would perfect our legal system to match international standards.
District Court in Kilinochchi
TamilNet: How about members of the LTTE? Do your laws apply to them?
Para: Certainly. If a member of the LTTE commits any act in violation of the laws of the land he or she will be dealt with accordingly under our legal system like anyone else in Thamil Eelam. Our leader has been very clear on this.
TamilNet: What would you consider the milestones in the ten years of your judiciary?
Para: The Tamil Eelam Penal Code and the Thamil Eelam civil code, which were enacted in 1994. The Thamil Eelam Law College was another milestone. It was established in 1991. We made special laws for women regarding their property rights, rape, abortion etc. Under our laws women are totally free and on par with men in property transactions. As you know, this is not the case under Jaffna’s traditional law, Thesawalamai. Our civil code has done away with the stipulation in Thesawalamai that a woman should obtain her husband’s consent to sell her property. We made caste discrimination a crime. These could be considered some of the milestones of the Thamil Eelam judicial system.
TamilNet: On what basis was the Thamil Eelam Penal Code enacted?
Para: Distinguished Tamil jurists, legal experts and leading lawyers studied the British, Indian and Sri Lankan criminal justice systems before formulating the Tamil Eelam Penal Code. We have identified 439 types of crimes. Some crimes considered liable for punishment in the Sri Lankan Penal Cod are treated less harshly in our Code. We are in the process of reviewing provisions in the penal code that permit capital punishment in the light of the increasing international trend against it. However, until such time anyone sentenced to death can petition the Review Committee seeking pardon.
We are endeavouring to introduce progressive laws relating to women. We brought an amendment to the penal code in connection with abortion. Earlier it was permissible on medical or other reasonable grounds only with the consent of both husband and wife. Under the said amendment a woman can take the decision on her own to abort her pregnancy within five months of conceiving on medical or other reasonable grounds.
Court of Appeals
TamilNet: How was your civil procedure code drafted? There are two specific set of local laws, Thesawalamai in Jaffna and the Mukkuwa Law in Batticaloa. Then there are numerous customs governing various communities of Tamils in the northeast, recognised as valid in adjudication by British and Sri Lankan legal systems. How does your civil code deal with all this?
Para: The Tamil people had their own legal systems before the colonial conquests. Obviously Tamils could not have sustained vast stable empires and their large sea faring merchant guilds for several centuries without such systems. These fell apart in the chaos wrought by colonial rule in its early phases.
However, as our traditional legal systems had crumbled with the waning of Tamil kindgoms, the Dutch made an effort in the 18th century at compiling some of our traditional customs into a legal code for the purposing establishing their rule on a firmer footing.
In 1704 the Dutch governor of Ceylon, Cornelis Joan Simmons, instructed Claas Isaakz, a Dutch official in Jaffna, to inquire into the customs of the Tamil inhabitants of Jaffna as then existed and to compile them. Isaakz completed the work in Dutch three years later in 1707 and handed it over to the Jaffna commander Van Der Duyn who directed that it be translated into Tamil. Commander Duyn subsequently gave copies of this translation to twelve “sensible” – in his words – Mudaliyars (Tamil chief officials nominated by colonial rulers) and asked them to study the compilation and revise it where necessary.
The Mudaliyars agreed with the translation and Isaakz’s compilation was promulgated by the Dutch governor in 1708 as the law applicable to the Tamil inhabitants of Jaffna. This is what came to be known as Thesawlamai.
Similarly, the Dutch compiled the Mukkuwa Law regulating the succession to intestate property of the Mukkuwa community in Batticaloa.
Besides these two, there were other traditional customs relating to property, succession, marriage, temple transactions, etc., among Tamils in the northeast which have on occasion been treated as customary law by western colonial governments.
None of these have been compiled and codified although the expertise and knowledge of local pundits and scholars have been sought by courts from time to time to throw light on specific civil disputes.
How do we make laws on the basis of these in tune with the far-reaching changes in our society since colonial times, particularly since the upheavals of the war began transforming our society in ways we never imagined possible? This is the serious question before us now.
Mukkuwa Law in Batticaloa, for example, is not applicable to everyone in that region. It applies to a particular community which no longer has well defined social contours.
A good portion of Thesawalamai as it stands is obsolete and ineffective. What Thesawalamai says about the slavery, adoption and caste are no longer valid; slavery and caste discrimination which Theswalamai talks about are abominable to the modern Tamil sensibility.
Therefore we are in the process of studying and compiling all local customs governing communities in the northeast and are planning to discuss them with a panel of experts from all parts of the northeast.
What comes out these deliberations would contribute to enhancing our civil procedure code in the near future. It is our leader’s concern that the Thamil Eelam civil procedure code should be progressive and meticulously equitable while reflecting the traditional norms of all sections of our society – that it should provide the basis for building a forward looking, modern society rooted in its soil.
Tamil EelamA source of unwavering strength in the political and diplomatic efforts of our freedom movement, and the light of our nation is extinguished. Bala Annai, from whom I sought advice and solace, is no more with us. It is an irreplaceable loss for our entire nation and for me.
Bala Annai’s life has been much too short. His death comes at a time when we needed him most, as our freedom struggle intensifies. I cannot find words to express my grief and loss.
From the beginning of our struggle, when we first met, there was a deep mutual understanding. The fondness that rose from that understanding developed into a rare friendship. We thought and acted in unison. Our friendship grew in strength through our shared day-to-day experiences. This friendship stands apart from ordinary human relationships. It matured with time and was shaped by our shared history.
I was deeply fond of Bala Annai. In the great family that is our movement he was its eldest son and its guiding star for three decades. That is how I looked up to him. During the time we lived together as one family, I came to realize that he was no ordinary human being. He was strong and unshakable even during the illness that threatened to take his life and the severe pain that illness brought him. The strength of his soul was inspirational. I grieve for him.
Bala Annai has a permanent historic place in the growth and the spread of our movement. He was its elder member, its ideologue, its philosopher and, above all, my best friend who gave me encouragement and energy. He shared my sorrows, my anxieties and my travails. He was with me from the very beginning of our movement, sharing its challenges and hardships. He was the central figure in all our diplomatic efforts.
Saluting the immeasurable service he rendered our nation in the political and diplomatic arenas and the efforts by which he put our national freedom movement on the world stage, allowing our nation to stand with dignity, I am proud to bestow the title of ‘Voice of the Nation’ on Bala Annai.
Bala Annai has not left us. He will live permanently in our thoughts.
Swiss court rules LTTE not a criminal organisation 03 December 2019
Switzerland’s Federal Court has ruled that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) is not a criminal organisation and that its primary goal was to establish an independent homeland, in a landmark ruling that has seen 12 Swiss Tamils acquitted of charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
In their ruling, which was made public earlier today, judges found there was not enough proof to consider the LTTE a criminal group under the Swiss penal code.
The case looked in particular at Switzerland’s Article 260, which was originally formulated to be applied to organised criminal groups but was also used against organisations such as al-Qaeda or the Islamic State (IS).
However, a German-language press release from the court stated that the article was not created with regards to organisations that pursue other, although may commit acts of “terrorism”.
With regards to the LTTE, the press release said the organisation’s goals “included the leadership of a conventional armed struggle, the quasi-state administration of an area and the recognition of the independence of their ethnic community”. “In view of the scope and diversity of non-criminal activities of the LTTE It is hard to say that a person who has collected money in their favour was assuming that their behaviour directly served a criminal purpose,” it added.
The ruling follows a decision made in June last year, which found no hierarchical link between the LTTE and diaspora-based World Tamil Coordinating Committee (WTCC).
Tamils across Eelam and around the world marked Maaveerar Naal this year, remembering all those that gave their lives to the Tamil liberation struggle.
Across the North-East, Tamils gathered at destroyed LTTE cemeteries and other sites of tribute across the homeland, despite intimidation and harassment from Sri Lankan security forces. In both Mannar and Vavuniya, preparations were destroyed by unknown groups, suspected to be linked to the Sri Lankan security forces.
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More updates to follow.
North-East
Mullaitivu
Commemorations were held across Mullaitivu, the district with the highest number of thuyilum illams in the Tamil homeland.
At Jaffna University this morning, hundreds of students broke through the locked gates and laid flowers before a memorial, defying a ban announced by authorities yesterday.
Commemorations began in Jaffna this morning with locals gathering in front of a destroyed monument to Lt Col Thileepan in Nallur, to pay tribute to those that died in the Tamil liberation struggle.
Preparations had begun several weeks beforehand, with locals clearing cemeteries that had been destroyed by Sri Lankan security forces. Despite ongoing harassment, including the destruction of preparations this week, Tamils defied the military intimidation and joined events across the North-East.
Amongst the preparations were the erection of stones inscribed with the names of 25,000 Tamil liberation fighters.
Stones bearing names of 25,000 Maaveerar erected in Jaffna
After weeks of preparation and threats, Maaveerar Naal was commemorated all over Mullaitivu on November 27.
Mullaitivu was the district with the highest number of thuyilum illams – cemeteries for fallen LTTE fighters – in the Tamil homeland. It is now currently the most heavily militarised district in the Tamil homeland, and organisers of Maaveerar Naal felt the consequences of the militarisation heavily as volunteers were intimidated and threatened throughout the preparation process.
The majority of the thuyilum illams were however successfully cleared this year for Maaveerar Naal and commemorations were held in at least six different locations around the district.
Alankulam Thuyilum Illam (Mallavi)
Irattaivaikkal Thuyilum Illam
Vannivilankulam Thuyilum Illam
Mulliyavalai Thuyilum Illam
Iranappalai Thuyilum Illam
–
Collective message from Tamils on Heroes Day: Rajapaksas can’t kill Tamil Eelam dream
[TamilNet, Thursday, 28 November 2019]
Thousands of people took part in Heroes Day amidst SL military intelligence trying to ‘discipline’ the students and the people from not attending the memorial event on Wednesday. The people were determined to proceed with the event despite showering heavy rains at the grounds where Tamil war heroes (Maaveerar) lie buried in the occupied Tamil Eelam. Self-mobilised grassroots organised the remembrance events. Alternative locations were chosen for the war cemeteries (thuyilum-illam) grounds, which the occupying SL military was continuing to use, in an uncivilised manner, as the grounds for their cantonments. Sinhala soldiers were seen snatching the photos from the parents who were on their way to the thuyilum-illam in Ampaa’rai. The SL Police also seized the loudspeaker and a vehicle used in the mobilisation for the commemoration of the Sea Tiger War Heroes at Munai in Point-Pedro, Jaffna.There were also reports of SL military entering the decorated ground in Mannaar and smashing the temporary memorial structure.A large number of SL police commandos were present at Theeruvil in Valveddith-thu’rai, the alternative venue for E’l’ lang-ku’lam Maaveerar thuyilum-illam in Vadamaraadchi, Jaffna.
However, the SL military was primarily confining itself to the barracks.
Tamil political parties were also involved in organising the events and memorial events were marked by almost all the civic councils.
Eezham Tamil university students resolutely lit the flame of sacrifice at the Maaveerar memorial square located within the University premises despite SL military-intelligence mooted ‘official ban’ by the Competent Authority of the University of Jaffna.
Around forty students courageously entered the premises violating the ban and lit the flame of sacrifice sharply at 18:05.
It was the time when all people paid their tribute at or near all the war cemeteries in the North-East, where more than 30,000 Tamil Heroes lie buried or had their “Hero Stones” (nadu-kal) in the thuyilum illams.
The temporary memorial structures were put up with the remains of stones the people had gathered from the razed burial grounds.
The thuyilum-illam song was played at all the locations.
The highly venerated song, only played at the specified time on Tamil Eelam Heroes Day, expresses the Tamil resolve taking oath on three aspects in the following order: the soul and breath of Tamils being the Language, which is to attain the crown in future; the history of the Leader (V. Pirapaharan) guiding and shaping the path; and the hypnosis of the Tiger Heroes who lie buried.
The fourth line states: “we will not succumb to the moral low-ground and will not waver from the struggle for Tamil Eelam”.
Tamil Eelam Heroes Day was also held with massive participation at several cities across the world by the Tamil diaspora.
Kanakapuram, Ki’linochchi
Kanakapuram, Ki’linochchi
Kanakapuram, Ki’linochchi
Koappaay, Jaffna
Koappaay, Jaffna
Koappaay, Jaffna
Koappaay, Jaffna
Koappaay, Jaffna
Maavadi-munmaari, Batticaloa
Maavadi-munmaari, Batticaloa
University of Jaffna
University of Jaffna
Eastern University
Eastern University
Vanni-vizhaang-ku’lam, Mullaiththeevu
Thearaavil, Mullaiththeevu
Thearaavil, Mullaiththeevu
Thearaavil, Mullaiththeevu
Thearaavil, Mullaiththeevu
Iraddai-vaaykkaal, Mullaiththeevu
Iraddai-vaaykkaal, Mullaiththeevu
Iraddai-vaaykkaal, Mullaiththeevu
Iraddai-vaaykkaal, Mullaiththeevu
Eachchang-ku’lam, Vavuniyaa
Eachchang-ku’lam, Vavuniyaa
Ka’l’lik-kaadu, Vavuniyaa
Ka’l’lik-kaadu, Vavuniyaa
Uduppiddi, Jaffna
Uduppiddi, Jaffna
Chaaddi, Jaffna
Chaaddi, Jaffna
Chaaddi, Jaffna
————-
All Maveerar Thuyillumillams soaked in tears People brave all threats to honour their children
The Maveerar Day – 2019 was commemorated sentimentally in Tamil Homeland yesterday amidst much threats. Thousands of people gathered at the Thuyilumillams to honour their Maveerars yesterday braving all the threats leveled at them. Tamil people of the world jointly commemorated their Maveerar children. Maveerars were remembered at 6.05 p.m. , in Tamil Home Land and abroad simultaneously and sentimentally.
Temple belled peeled at 6.05 to signal the start of the commemoration. Maveerar song, “ Thayaga Ninaivudan Savinai thazhuviya Sandana Pezhaikazhe” filled Air accompanied by nears from the eyes of the kith and kin.
Homage paying events were held in the morning in Jaffna near Ellankaulam, Kopay, Kodikamam Thuyilumillams which are currently occupied by the Army.
Commemorations were held at several places and Thuyilumillams located at Kanagapuram in Kilinochchi, Visuvamadu in Mulaitheevu, Vavuniya Town Council hall, EEchankulam, Vannivilankulam, Mavadi Munmari in Batticalaoa, and Sampur.
The commemoration at University of Jaffna was held amidst bans closures and blockades of the Competent Authority and with the participation of large number of students.
The people of occupied Tamil Eelam in the North and East of the island, who face an uncertain future due to the return of Rajapaksa siblings as the rulers from the South, have mobilised to mark Tamil Eelam Heroes Day with unwavering resolute also this year. There were reports of occupying SL military and the police at Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal in Mullaith-theevu in North and at Champoor in Trincomalee in the East, issuing threats to the volunteers. However, various grassroots organisations along with Tamil national political leaders and parties have engaged in Sramadanam work clearing and decorating the grounds and vicinities of the Heroes cemeteries, which the occupying Sinhala military had razed to the grounds during the previous regime of Rajapaksas. Full story >>
Stones inscribed with the names of 25,000 Tamil liberation fighters were erected in Jaffna earlier today, as Tamils in the homeland and around the world prepare to mark Maaveerar Naal.
A ceremony was held in Nallur earlier today, with the lighting of a flame and placing a flower garland around destroyed tombstones, as preparations continued for tomorrow. The stones were constructed through a collaborative project from the Tamil National Peoples’ Front and tamil civil society activists.
Novemeber 27th, which has been marked as Maaveerar Naal – or Heroes’ Day – will see Tamils across the North-East and in the diaspora commemorate fallen fighters in the Tamil struggle.
Maaveerar Naal (Great Heroes’ Day; Tamil: மாவீரர் நாள் Māvīrar Nāḷ) is a remembrance day observed by Eelam Tamils to remember the deaths of militants who fought for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It is held each year on 27 November, the date on which the first LTTE cadre, Lt. Shankar (Sathiyanathan alias Suresh), is said to have died in combat in 1982.Traditionally oil lamps are lit for the three days ending on the 27 November and the Tamil Eelam flag is raised at ceremonies. The symbol for Maaveerar Naal is the karthigaipoo (Gloriosa superba), which blooms during November.
The first Maaveerar Naal was held on 27 November 1989. The date was chosen as it was the anniversary of the first LTTE cadre to die in combat, Lt. Shankar (Sathiyanathan alias Suresh), who died on 27 November 1982. On 27 November 1989 around 600 LTTE cadres gathered secretly in the jungles near Nithikaikulam in Manal Aru, Mullaitivu District, to remember their fallen comrades who at that time numbered around 1,300. In his speech LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran told the gathering that if he ever betrayed Tamil Eelam they must kill him.
Following the withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1990 the LTTE gained controlled of large areas of territory in the north and east of Sri Lanka. The LTTE started developing ways to commemorate its dead heroes. They built thuyilum illam (resting place) for their maaveerar (great heroes) in territory they controlled.In 1991 the week leading up to Maaveerar Naal was declared Great Heroes’ Week. This resulted in Prabhakaran’s birthday, which falls on 26 November, being included in the commemorations. The celebration of Prabhakaran’s birthday began to overshadow the Maaveerar Naal commemorations to an extent that some even believed that Maaveerar Naal was a celebration of Prabhakaran’s birthday. This resulted in Prabhakaran banning any celebration of his birthday.Commemorations eventually started amongst the growing Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora.
Over the years the commemorations became more elaborate, involving meetings, religious rituals, processions and exhibitions with cut-outs, posters and handbills of the dead cadres being distributed widely. Every village and every school were expected commemorate their dead cadres. Families of the dead cadres would gather at thuyilum illam to mourn their dead relatives. The culmination of the commemorations was a great function at a special location at which the reclusive Prabhakaran gave a speech which started at 6.05pm, the precise time Lt. Shankar died. The highly anticipated speeches began to take on the form of an annual policy statement by the LTTE and were broadcast on LTTE affiliated radio and TV stations in LTTE controlled areas and abroad.
After the Sri Lankan military recaptured the Jaffna peninsula in 1995 they destroyed LTTE cemeteries – thuyilum illam – in the area including those at Chaadi, Ellangkulam, Kodikamam and Kopay. Following the start of the Norwegian mediated peace process in 2002 the LTTE started rebuilding their war cemeteries.[14] Maaveerar Naal commemorations were allowed in government territory. In 2004 Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs were allowed to light oil lamps in front of the Parliament to commemorate Maaveerar Naal. However, after the peace process stalled the Sri Lankan military started imposing restrictions on Maaveerar Naal commemorations and destroying LTTE cemeteries.
27th November was made Great Heroes’ Day from 1989 onwards to commemorate the death of Cankar. In Tamil it is called mavirar nal, “Day of the Great Heroes”. This day was prolonged in 1990 to a whole week. The 27th takes the position of a national day in the present form of the anticipated nationstate of Tamililam. Its purpose is to channel veneration of all LTTE martyrs. It prevents commemorative rituals from being dispersed all over the year.
For a Westerner it can be shortly described as an agon of the LTTE in which the agony of the heroes’ death is commemorated and transformed into a victory. Mavirar nal, “Great Heroes’ Day”, is celebrated as elucci nal. This later expression has the double meaning of “Day of edification” and “Day of rising”. The participant may choose either, one, or better both meanings, according to his or her understanding and liking. “Great Heroes’ Day” is indeed a day of mourning, of agony, but it is transformed into a Day of edification and, or, rising.
Veluppillai Pirapakaran was very close to Cankar. There are many stories about the last hours between the two. The fact that there are so many stories about it and that 27th November has been made Great Heroes’ Day and this day even the National Day of Tamililam, indicates that the death of Cankar was a key experience for Veluppillai Pirapakaran. We have to take this experience as the seal on the determination to kill and to get killed – to the last man.
The original experience and what really happened is today overlaid by levels of reflections in retelling the same story. Sankar is made a collective focal point to reexperience the mourning experience with its predictable outcome. The outcome is clear, to create a preparedness to kill and to get killed in the very act of killing.
One LTTE text prescribes that the week of the Great Hero begins at 9 am. followed by the hoisting of the national banner (the Tiger flag). The entire Tamililam having risen and put on beauty, shall shine in fullness, says the text. The entire Tamil population is in happiness.
The flood of more than lifesize posters depicting Cankar on 27th November at the crossroads of Yalppanam is more than impressive; it is overwhelming. All the media are full of his life story, that touches a fundamental mourning behaviour in a martial society.
One LTTE text says that the tupis of the Great Heroes, houses, lanes, houses of learning, public places, the whole population indeed, and all people have themselves become holy on this day. According to this same text, the land of Tamihlam shines with new fullness, having become adorned for all these Great Heroes. According to this text, this kind of commemoration of the Great Heroes should not just be an event, but should develop into a cultural monument and become a cultural element.
During maravar nal cultural performances are arranged. “Cultural performance” is an English rendering for Tamil kalai nikaleci, which literally means “performance of erudition”. It can be a drama, dance, song or all three, very often combined. The LTTE has many wellknown poets writing in the spirit of the LTTE.
A dramatic performance of and together with a famous poem by Cuppiramaniya Parati (18821921) made into a recital called accamillayaccamillai, “fear is not, fear is not” or enru taniyaminta cutantira takam, ‘When will the thirst for liberation be quenched?”, last but not least as a teru kuttu, “street drama”, is highly appreciated. It is worthwhile to look at the public recital in 1990 at one of these two poems by Parati, because both give a contribution to the concepts of heroism, which evidently have been incorporated in a cultural arrangement by the LTTE, recorded, relayed on Cutarcan Television, which is the local television of the LTTE in Yalppanam, and sent out in many copies to the Tamils in exile.
Parati was not only an Indian patriot; his poetic themes also show concern for the poor, the welfare of the common man, adoration of the ancients, confidence in the future generation, concern for women’s liberation, children’s welfare, and human values, but above all for India’s freedom from slavery under colonial power. He became a makkal kavinar, ‘”people’s poet”. Although his poems were written in Tamil they became known in several Indian languages, and many a militant within the Tamil resistance of today knows his Parati by heart, in Tamil, of course.
Accamillayaccamillai is the name of a poem created in 1914 by Parati, and is the first part of a refrain of that poem which is part of a larger text called Mata Mani Vacakam. The poem recited in Tamil in 1990 at mavirar nal goes like this (in the translation of K G Seshadri):
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all,
Though all the world be ranged against us,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
Though we are slighted and scorned by others,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
Though fated to a life of beggary and want,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all,
Though all we owned and held as dear be lost,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
Though the corsetbreasted cast their glances,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
Though friends should feed us poison brew,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
Though spears reeking flesh come and assail us,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
Though the skies break and fall on the head,
Fear we not, fear we not, fear we not at all!
In the performance of Parati’s poem in Yalppanam in 1990, the poem speaks to the performers and listeners of the recital about liberation from slavery, implicitly, applied to the present situation, of the liberation from slavery of the Sinhala dominated administration in Tamil speaking areas. The poem is vague enough to find its implementation in a different situation than originally intended, in a different place and a different time from its origin. In Yalppanam, on mavirar nal, it was performed by actors of both sexes and all age groups on a stage, and the recital was in the rhythm of a march, indicating firm determination.
Another poet is Paratitacan (18911964), who contributed to the martial language of the Dravidian movement and influenced the writing of the poet Kaci Anantan, who is one of the most important living and active LTTE poets. Paratitacan was a promoter of Dravidian separatism from India.
There is a tradition of singing songs on many occasions, not only Martyrs’ Day, celebrating the martyrs of the LTTE. They are now called pulippatukal, “Tiger songs”, but they continue a tradition of parani patutal, “praising war”, i.e. a genre of songs that glorifies the hero who killed elephants. This genre was popularised by parts of the Dravidian movement.
The tiger songs are distributed by the LTTE on cassettes and CDs all over the world to Tamils in exile. The most famous ones are by the poets Kaci Anantan and Putuvai. Both are highly active at present creating “martial poetry” or “poetry of resistance”.
This constructive literary aspect of LTTE martial culture, being a kalai nikaleci, `’performance of erudition”, is often forgotten in the image of the critics of the LTTE. It is very important to identify and highlight this aspect. It is both an expression and a mobilisation of the common thinking and liking of the people with the LTTE. On this level of kalai nikalcci the LTTE enjoys the strongest support from the citizens of Yalppanam. The LTTE may fail in its military adventure and experiment, but what it has achieved by its kalai nikalcci will certainly remain and be cultivated for generations to come. It will constitute the embers of resistance that no enemy will be able to extinguish.
Brigadier S P Thamilselvan (1967 – 2007) Head of LTTE Political Division, Tamil Eelam
“he gave his life for the freedom of his people”
வாழ்ந்தவர் கோடி மறைந்தவர் கோடி, மக்களின் மனதில் நிற்பவர் யார்? – மானம் காப்போர் சரித்திரம் தனிலே நிற்கின்றார்…
“..There is sobbing of the strong, And a pall upon the land But the People in their weeping Bare the iron hand: Beware the People weeping When they bare the iron hand…”
A Switzerland-based Eezham Tamil youth group, ‘Phoenix – the Next Generation’, has photostatically reproduced the rare 314-page compilation officially published by the Headquarters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in September 1993 in Jaffna. The book contains selected letters, interviews and statements of LTTE Leader Velupillai Pirapaharan starting from his first media interview in March 1984. The compilation consists, amongst others, of a letter that declines LTTE representation at a meeting held in New York in May 1985, appeals to the leaders of India and Tamil Nadu during the LTTE-IPKF war in 1987, and a letter of solidarity addressed to South African (ANC) leader, the late Oliver Tambo, in July 1988. The reproduction has been made from a book obtained at the public library of Jaffna in the past. The book, with ID 9907, is no longer accessible at the library.
The compilation is titled Eṉatu Makkaḷiṉ Viṭutalaikkāka (எனது மக்களின் விடுதலைக்காக, For the Liberation of My People).
Nitharsan, the coordinator of Puradsi Media of the youth group, led the launch event in Bern on Sunday, where the first copy of the publication was dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for Tamil Eelam.
The event also featured a speech by a former LTTE member, who had closely witnessed the cultural and upbringing projects of the LTTE in the two decades that followed the period covered by the book in the de-facto state of Tamil Eelam.The former LTTE member appreciated the publication work being carried out by the youth group. Only by knowing the contemporary politics and the struggle of the preceding decades the future generations could evolve the future discourse, the ex-LTTE member said.
The book also reflects the significance of political renditions in Tamil by the late Anton Balasingham before, during and immediately after the Indian intervention.
Nitharshan, in his speech, said that the book was a prime source enlightening the readers how the LTTE leader evolved a genuinely independent movement without getting into the agenda of any outside power seeking to influence or exploit the armed liberation movement of Eezham Tamils.
“We [the Tamil diaspora youth] should not allow us to get waylaid by the talk of unitary and federal forms of the constitution in the island. As far as we are concerned, our source of inspiration should always be the de-facto state of Tamil Eelam that existed before the SL State waged the genocidal onslaught in 2009 with the backing of all the outside powers.”
He observed how the British allowed the Sinhala nationalist leaders in the South to evolve the unitary state system in Ceylon into unitary and genocidal Sri Lanka in the post-Second World War context. Furthermore, the Cold War era had emboldened the unitary state system, which under the rule of JR Jayawardene introduced the executive presidential system following the US model in 1978.
The USA was toeing the same geopolitical line of the British, giving significance to Trincomalee-oriented naval access in the [then the overwhelmingly Tamil] East and air access in the West [of the Sinhala South].
It was in 1996, after the period covered in the book up to 1993, the elite US ‘Green Beret’ corps provided training to the SL military, he recalled.
However, the LTTE-led armed struggle continued achieving military and diplomatic parity of status in 2001.
During the peace process, the powers openly recognised that it was not possible to militarily defeat the LTTE. However, they contributed significantly to the ‘One State One Military in the island’ paradigm by tilting the power of balance and allowing the SL State to complete the genocidal onslaught, he said.
Following is an English translation of the contents featured in the book, as provided by the Puradsi Media:
1
Foreword I – IV
2
History is my guide
1
3
State oppression & armed resistance
13
4
The national force of Tamil Eelam: Leader Prabhakaran’s letter
21
5
Ceasefire & peace talks
25
6
Why did the Thimbu Talks end in failure?
31
7
A liberated sovereign Tamil Eelam state is our struggle’s goal
35
8
The Sinhalese government prefers a military solution
41
9
Traitors are more dangerous than enemies
51
10
Why was the organisation of the Liberation Tigers formed?
55
11
Struggling for freedom is our historic duty
65
12
The interference of the Indian military in Tamil Eelam is unnecessary
73
13
My life’s background, goals and priciples
77
14
The Tamil homeland is the foundation of our nationalism
95
15
Hunger strike unto death: the national leader’s explanation
101
16
The Tamil Nadu government bends to the national leader’s demands
103
17
Webs spun to destruct the tamil nation
105
18
Ahimsa ideology & the armed struggle
111
19
Prosperity of the proletariat
119
20
The historically significant Suthumalai Declaration
123
21
The Indian government is upholding its national interests
127
22
Thiyagi Thileepan is an idealistic flame
133
23
Arresting commanders contradicts the agreement
137
24
The unforgivable crime committed against our people
139
25
The war given by India: a letter to M.G.R. from the national leader
143
26
Letters written by the national leader to India’s Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi
149
27
The Indian military’s atrocities: a letter to the U.N. by the national leader
155
28
Indo – LTTE war: the national leader’s explanation
161
29
Send the UNHRC to Tamil Eelam
169
30
The national leader’s 3rd letter to Rajiv Gandhi
173
31
The national leader’s declaration to the World Tamil Conference
177
32
The national leader’s request to the African & United Nations
181
33
The oppressed will eventually succeed
185
34
The UN must attempt to expel the Indian forces
189
35
The national leader’s request to a conference held by Non-Aligned Movement
193
36
The most significant historic mistake committed by the Indian government
197
37
A dark chapter in our liberation struggle
201
38
Our excessive self-confidence is our strength and weakness
207
39
Annai Poopathi’s sacrifice is unmatched in global history
213
40
The event which gave us the spiritual strength to resist the Indian superpower
215
41
Our history is written by our martyrs’ blood
217
42
The women have risen as a revolutionary force
219
43
A self – sufficient economy is the foundation of a separate state
223
44
Revolutionary creations are necessary to cultivate the liberation struggle
225
45
All of the people who contributed to the revolutionary struggle are māmaṉitar
229
46
A war cannot be conducted if there is a fear for losses
233
47
The path to a political solution: The national leader’s explanation
239
48
Sencholai children’s home: the national leader’s congratulatory remarks
245
49
May it sound as the war drums for a war of truth
247
50
For those yearning for heroic liberation, determination is the strongest weapon
249
51
What is the liberation of the women? The national leader’s explanation
253
52
Dharma will prevail in a war of truth
257
53
People are facing the torrents of oppression like a mountain
261
54
Our arts and culture are the soul of our nation
265
55
Politics is the service provided to suffering people
269
56
I have a dream which must become a reality
273
57
The martyrs who stand as the pillars of our liberation organisation
275
58
Honesty, virtue and discipline are essential for the implementation of justice
281
59
The struggle is the shield of education; education is the struggle’s fort
285
60
Kittu is an individual legacy: a stunning idealist
289
61
What is the path to a peaceful solution? Thalaivar’s explanation to BBC
293
62
Women’s liberation struggle: The LTTE’s spark
301
63
When life is incomplete, knowledge is essential
305
64
Iron men in their goals: the national leader’s dedication for the Black Tigers
307
65
The poet who renewed wartime literature
311
66
Social justice must blossom upon the basis of truth
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Velupillai Prabhakaran 
