Heroes memorial opened in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 26 November 2002, 01:57 GMT]
The Heroes memorial constructed at Mahajana College hall displaying 4535 photos of LTTE members killed in the war was declared open at 9am Monday by Batticaloa-Ampara LTTE special commander Ramesh allowing the public to pay their respect, said sources in Batticaloa.

Commander Ram hoisting the Tamil Eelam flag

A grand light display made up of hundreds of electric bulbs illuminated the memorial hall to mark this landmark event being held the first time in the Government controlled part of Batticaloa district.

Head of LTTE Pullianthivu Kottam political section, Senathi, presided the event. Batticaloa-Ampara head of the LTTE Intelligence Wing, Ramanan lit the memorial flame and Commander Ram, Head of Jeyanthan Commando Unit hoisted the Tamil Eelam flag.

Mother paying respect

Joseph Pararajasingham, Batticaloa district Parliamentarian, opened the section of the memorial hall where paintings depicting war scenes were in display.

Batticaloa residents who attended the event, school children, teachers and students of the Teacher training college followed the LTTE military commanders in paying respect to LTTE members killed by sprinkling flower petals on the photographs. Many were seen breaking down unable to withstand the setting and the atmosphere.

Commanders and Joseph Pararajasingham

The organizers said that the Hall will be open for public viewing 24 hours a day till 28 November.

Tamil Eelam flags were hoisted in Heros cemetaries n the villages of Tharavai, Kandaladi, Aandankulam, Maavadimunmari, Thandiyadi and Karadiyan Aru, this morning, source in Batticaloa said.