The 15th anniversary of the assassination of Tamil MP Kiddinan Sivanesan was commemorated in Jaffna and Mullaitivu yesterday.
Sivanesan, a member of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was travelling from Colombo to Mullaitivu when he was killed by a Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LLRP) in Mankulam on March 6, 2008.
Sivanesan's daughter, Thakshayini Sivanesan lit a flame at the remembrance event in Vadamarachchi, Jaffna to commemorate her father.
In Mallavi, Mullaitivu, Sivanesan's tombstone was garlanded and a moment of silence was observed to remember the slain MP. Both commemoration events were organised by the Tamil National People's Front (TNPF).
At the time of the assassination, the TNA said:
"The TNA stresses at this juncture that no force could stop Tamils voicing and fighting for the freedom of their community by killing its democratically elected representatives and subjecting them to intimidation and death threats."
"Mr. Sivanesan worked hard for the emancipation of the Tamil people, against social injustice and for the development of co-operative movement. He won the hearts of Tamils by his unwavering stand on the freedom struggle by his deed and speech. He dedicated himself from the young age for the liberation of his people."
"The death of Mr.Sivanesan is an irreparable loss to the Tamil community. His sacrifice would not go unrewarded. It would contribute to the liberation of the Tamil nation."
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader, V Prabhakaran posthumously conferred the title of 'Maamanithar'.
"He was courageous even in the midst of repeated harassments and threats of the Sinhala military. His service for the liberation of Tamil Eelam through his hard work and exemplary skills are immeasurable," Prabhakaran said in a statement.
In a press release condemning the killing, the Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka said that "attacks on members of Parliament are seriously undermining Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions and institutions. A political solution to the conflict is vital, to put an end to the spiral of violence."