Lord Tariq Ahmad, Britain's Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth, the United Nations and South Asia spoke to the British Tamil Conservatives (BTC) and emphasised the need to stand up for "important aspects of reconciliation" as well as "accountability and justice" in Sri Lanka.

Thousands of Tamils attended Maaveerar Naal at thuyilum illams (LTTE cemeteries) in the Kilinochchi district on Nobember 27.

Kanagapuram, where in 2016 one of the first public commemorations since the end of the armed conflict was held, once again saw massive crowds despite heavy rain.

Efforts to hold commemorations at as many thuyilum illams as possible around the Tamil homeland meant that other cemeteies in the district also attracted large turnout.

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.

Preparations were completely rebuilt within a few hours at the destroyed LTTE cemetery, as Tamils from across the gathered to remember fallen fighters.

See video from the event and photographs from another remembrance event at the Vavuniya Urban Council below. 

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

Oberhausen, Germany

Antwerp, Belgium

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.