The Valikamam East Divisional Council has passed a resolution to erect a statue in honour of LTTE political leader Thileepan and to restore the name of a local road to “Thileepan Road”.
The resolutions were adopted on Thursday during a remembrance event for the LTTE political leader, who fasted to death in 1987 demanding Indian action on Tamil grievances. Council chairman Thiyagarajah Nirosh led the commemoration at the Council premises, where floral tributes were paid to Tamil heroes.
Council member Vijayatharani lit the memorial flame, followed by a floral tribute ceremony and a eulogy delivered by the chairman. Other members of the Council also paid their respects.
At the subsequent session, the Council unanimously passed a motion to renovate and officially rename Pokkanai Road as “Thileepan Road”, restoring the historical name that was altered under state pressure in previous years.
A second resolution was adopted to erect a statue of Thileepan within the Council premises. The proposal, moved by chairman Nirosh, noted that Thileepan was born in a village within Valikamam East and that his sacrifice was deeply connected to the region. The decision will be carried out under the provisions of the Local Authorities Display of Portraits Act No. 4 of 1975, pending approval from the Minister of Local Government.
Thileepan’s legacy continues to inspire Tamil remembrance across the North-East. Earlier this month, unprecedented numbers of people took part in memorial events despite restrictions, underlining the enduring strength of Tamil nationalism nearly four decades after his hunger strike.
