Preparations at Mulankaavil thuyilum illam, in Kilinochchi, have been completed ahead of Maaveerar Naal commemorations expected to take place later today. 

Across the thuyilum illam - resting place - red and yellow flags have been raised and a makeshift monument made up of the destroyed gravestones stands tall for people to offer their respects. 

Traders in Thenmarachchi, Jaffna, have closed their businesses today to mark Maaveerar Naal, joining the wider Tamil homeland in remembrance.

All trading establishments in Chavakachcheri, Kaithady and Kodikamam are closed today to observe Maaveerar Naal - or Great Heroes' Day - where the Tamil nation remembers the Tamil fighters who gave their lives for the liberation struggle. 

The 71st birthday of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Velupillai Prabhakaran was marked by local residents in Nallur, Jaffna, today. 

Pongal, sweets, cakes and coconut saplings were distributed outside a memorial shrine in Nallur that is dedicated to fallen LTTE cadres.