Commemoration held in Kilinochchi for S P Thamilselvan

A commemoration marking the 18th anniversary of the killing of S. P. Thamilselvan, the head of the political wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), was held in Kilinochchi this week.

Thamilselvan, along with five other cadres, was killed in a Sri Lanka Air Force aerial bombardment in 2007. His death marked a significant moment in the Tamil nation’s political history, as he had been a central figure in the LTTE’s peace negotiations and international engagement.

The memorial event took place at the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) district office in Kilinochchi, led by Member of Parliament Sivagnanam Shritharan. Local council members, regional organisers and community representatives attended the ceremony.

An offering flame was lit and floral tributes were placed before Thamilchelvan’s portrait, followed by commemorative speeches reflecting on his political legacy and the circumstances of his killing.

Following the memorial, discussions were held with local government members and organisers on the current political climate and preparations for this year’s Maaveerar Naal – or Heroes’ Day – commemorations.