A solemn ceremony in Alampil, Mullaitivu, brought together families of fallen LTTE cadres, as the parents of those who died in the Tamil nation’s armed struggle were honoured this week.
Parents and relatives from Alampil, Alampil North, Uppumaveli and Udupukkulam were welcomed at the entrance with garlands before being escorted into the ceremonial hall. Inside, they offered their respects before the portraits of fallen fighters known as Maaveerar – or Great Heroes - lighting candles, placing garlands and showering flowers in tribute to their children.
The programme continued with cultural performances and speeches reflecting on the sacrifices of the Maaveerar and the enduring responsibility to safeguard the Tamil nation of the North-East.
A midday meal was served to the families, and organisers presented fruit saplings as tokens symbolising continuity, resilience and the legacy carried forward by the people of the Tamil homeland.
Organisers noted that the event formed part of the wider Maaveerar Naal – or Great Heroes Day - commemorations taking place across the Tamil homeland throughout the month, where the families of fallen fighters remain at the heart of remembrance.
Despite ongoing surveillance and restrictions imposed by the Sri Lankan, Tamils continue to gather publicly to honour fallen fighters and assert their collective right to remembrance.
