| 
Mark of Respect for Our Supreme Leader, The Indestructible 
Flame of Freedom: Statement by Selvarasa Pathmanathan, Head of International 
Relations-LTTE: 
 
We announce today, with inexpressible sadness and heavy hearts that our 
incomparable leader and supreme commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil 
Eelam attained martyrdom fighting the military oppression of the Sri Lankan 
Government on the 17th of May 2009. We share the sorrow and despair of all the 
Tamils in Sri Lanka, The Diaspora and the Tamil speaking people of the world.
 For over three decades, our leader was the heart and soul and the symbol of 
hope, pride and determination for the whole nation of people of Tamil Eelam. He 
conceptualized, created and conducted the most disciplined and incorruptible 
organization that ever represented a nation of people. He had the courage to 
take on all obstacles and adversity and engineered social change to go hand in 
hand with the awakening of his people. The LTTE grew into the most formidable 
force built on the unimaginable sacrifices of its freedom fighters. Our leader 
gave it the strategic foresight and military direction on land, sea and sea. 
Through his recognition and acknowledgement he created the women’s wing and 
established the equality of their status and role in the community.
 
 His love for his people, the Diaspora and the Tamils world over was overwhelming 
and selfless.
 
 Since the failure of the peace process and the escalation of the war forced upon 
the Tamil people, the LTTE was faced to confront the Sri Lankan military that 
was supported by the world powers. This deliberate bias and position taken by 
the international community severely weakened the military position of the LTTE. 
Our leader confronted this threat without any hesitation. He would not waver in 
his desire to be with his people and fight for his people till the end. In spite 
of the numerous pleas from his senior commanders, he refused to leave his people 
and along with his fellow freedom fighters perished in combat with the Sri 
Lankan forces. His final request was for the struggle to continue until we 
achieved the freedom for his people.
 
 Our leader epitomized the freedom struggle of our people. He raised it to a 
level never before seen. He defined the Tamil spirit and was worshipped by his 
people. His sacrifices for his people are immense and incomparable. His legend 
and the historical status as the Greatest Tamil Leader ever are indestructible. 
He will forever remain the father of our nation. He leaves behind the flame of 
freedom and the spirit in each and every Tamil. It is our undivided duty to keep 
the flame burning until the freedom for the Tamils are achieved.
 
 
  We 
have declared the week beginning Monday, 25 May 2009, as a week of official 
mourning paying tribute for the supreme sacrifice by our beloved leader. During 
this week let us celebrate his supreme sacrifice and his contribution to the 
betterment of the Tamil world. Let us also mark the sacrifices of all the 
commanders, freedom fighters and the civilians who also laid down their lives. 
We humbly request that the Tamil people world over to show utmost respect and 
restrain from harmful acts to themselves or anyone else in this hour of extreme 
grief. 
 As we mark the life of our beloved leader let us also resolve that we will 
re-affirm our commitment to the goals espoused by him – dignity, equality and 
the right to self-determination of our people.
 
 Thank you.
 
 Yours sincerely,
 
 Selvarasa Pathmanathan
 Head of International Relations -LTTE
 
Announcement in English-PDF File  ..
Read MoreAnouncement in Tamil-PDF file ...Read More
 |