Commander Vinothan's eigth anniversary commemorated

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 28 May 2003, 11:54 GMT]
A memorial ceremony for Commander of Vinothan brigade of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Lt.Col. Vinothan, and eighteen LTTE fighters who died in the attack on Tharavai Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camp was held in the 'Meenaham' military grounds in Amparai district 27 May, sources said.

A memorial constructed to mark the event was unveiled Tuesday morning. Col. Karuna hoisted the Tamil eelam national flag. Special commander Ramesh unveiled the framed photograph of Commander Vinothan. Head of Political section of the LTTE E. Kaualyan and Head of the administration Reginald unveiled the photo-frames of the other 18 fighters. Colonel Ram garlanded the photos. Head of women's wing Theenthamil lit the ceremonial flame.

Members of the different brigades participated in the sporting events held throughout the day. A military parade was conducted by the Vinothan brigade at 6.40 pm with Colonel Karuna, Senior Commander Ramesh, Senior Commander of the women's wing S. Nilavini and Commander of Vinothan brigade Jim Kelly Thatha taking the salute.

Cultural events took place in the evening.



Fighter Lathusa presided the events. Speaking at the event Col.Karuna said, "Even 18 months after the MoU was signed, the SLA is still occupying our schoools, temples and houses in the Northeast. Our people are still living under occupation. The normalcy that prevails in the South and in Colombo where there are no checkpoint, has not returned to our people in Northeast.





"We are carefully evaluating the critical situation that has arisen in participating in the aid talks.

"In this climate of uncertainty, we are celebrating a historic day in our struggle. SLA's Tharavai camp contained Special forces of the SLA and helped to occupy the Thoppikal region. The SLA was able to observe our troop movements and used the camp to conduct debilitating ambushes.





"Commander Vinothan assisted by Commander Balendra succeeded in capturing the Tharavai camp. We were able to recover the heros cemetary situated in Tharavai. We also built the Vinothan Brigade following this attack.

Several LTTE commanders, fighters and civil officials participated in the event.