2nd Lead (Adds photos)

Thambaiah's funeral held in Vavuniya

[TamilNet, Thursday, 27 May 2004, 10:42 GMT]
The body of Mr. Kumaravel Thambaiah, a senior lecturer in the Eastern University who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his home in Batticaloa town around 4.30 p.m. Monday was brought to his home village of Aasikulam in Vavuniya on Tuesday and was cremated on Wednesday, sources in Vavuniya said. Vavuniya North Education Commissioner, S.Pathmanathan, presided over the memorial meeting after the funeral ceremony.

Lecturer T.Jeyasingam, President Eastern University Teachers Association is seen delivering his speech at the funeral function.

Several University staff, students, Vavuniya district Head of LTTE's Political Wing, Gnanavel, Head of LTTE's Women Political Wing, Alai, Vanni district Parliamentarians, Sivanathan Kishor and Noharathalingam and members of the public attended the funeral ceremony.

"We have lost an intellectual who spent his entire working life to improve the economic condition of our homeland and its people. Growing up in an impoverished village he persevered to educate himself to reach the position he held at the East University. It is a sad day for the Tamil community," said Gnanavel speaking at the memorial event.

"Thamilmany" Ahalangan, is seen speaking

"We strongly condemn his killing. Our leadership is taking steps to prevent incidents of this nature. We request the help of our people to cooperate to identify elements that are working to undermine the peace and normalcy in the region," added Gnanavel.

Several civil organizations released leaflets condemning the killing and expressing their condolences to Thambiah's family.

Mr.Nandakumar head of the Business Studies at the Vavuniya Campus of Jaffna Unirvesity is seen addressing at the funeral.

Lecturer Thambiah's mother Mrs.Kumaravelu, His wife Kannammah (in brown saree) and his sister-in-law are seen near the body.