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"Tamil national patriot" Selliah Ratnam passes away

[TamilNet, Thursday, 19 August 2004, 07:40 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) conferred the title "Tamil national patriot" on Mr. Selliah Ratnam, retired Assistant Government Agent and the Jaffna district co-ordinator of SIHRN who passed away Sunday in Colombo Apollo Hospital after a brief illness. The remains draped by the Tiger flag were kept first at SIHRN office in Killinochchi district secretariat and later at Thooyavan Political Science College of the LTTE Tuesday for the public to pay homage.

The LTTE in its condolence message paid a glowing tribute to late Mr. Ratnam for having rendered immense services to the Tamil national cause. "His talent and experience played a crucial role in building the Tamil nation", LTTE said.

"Mr. Ratnam, a retired Sri Lanka Administrative office later worked with the SIHRN and Peace Secretariat in Killinochchi with devotion and dedication to the Tamil cause," said the message.

"Mr. Ratnam, who mastered all three languages had been a good administrator and considered a beacon light to guide the younger generation. His demise is an "irreparable loss in the sphere of building Tamil nation", LTTE message added.

The remains of Mr. Ratnam were later taken to his native village Velanai in Jaffna district Tuesday and kept at Puliyankoodal Children's Welfare Centre hall. A large number of people from the area paid their last respects to late Mr. Ratnam.

"The services of Mr. Ratnam were valuable to the Tamil national cause at a time when the liberation struggle took an international dimension. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Tamil liberation struggle," said Mr.C.Ilamparithi, Jaffna district LTTE political head addressing the condolence meeting Tuesday at Puliyankoodal, Velanai.

Mr.Ilampairithi recalled the services Mr. Ratnam rendered to the people of Velanai in 1990 during the time of crisis. "Our national leader has conferred the title 'Tamil national patriot' on him taking into consideration the vital role he played in the Tamil liberation struggle and later in the SIHRN and Peace Secretariat," said Mr.Ilampairithi.

Later the remains were taken to Velanai Divisional Secretariat office for paying homage.

The remains of Mr. Ratnam were kept in his Jaffna residence Wednesday, which is located in Anaipanthy, Navalar Road and later in the evening at Jaffna Veerasingham Hall.

The remains of the late Mr. Ratnam draped with Tiger flag were taken to the Kombayanmanal cemetery with band music in attendance.

Cremation of Mr. Ratnam was held Wednesday evening at the Kombayanmanal Hindu cemetery. A condolence meeting was held at the site presided by Mr.P.Paheerathan, President of the International Tamil Students Federation. Mr.C.Ilamparithi, Jaffna district LTTE political head, Mr.S.Ilampirai, and Lecturer of the Jaffna University, Mr.S. Antony, and President of the Jaffna University Arts Faculty Students Union made funeral orations.