Tamil MP assassinated by Sri Lankan military during ceasefire remembered
Events were held in Jaffna and Mullaitivu earlier this week to commemorate Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Kiddinan Sivanesan on the 17th anniversary of his assassination during a ceasefire by Sri Lankan armed forces on March 6, 2008.
The Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) held a memorial event at their Jaffna office on Thursday, where Selvarajah Kajendran spoke about Sivanesan’s contribution to the Tamil politics and freedom struggle. In Mallavi, Mullaitivu, Sivanesan’s tombstone was garlanded as attendees paid their respects during a commemoration event organised by the TNPF Youth Wing and local youth.
Last week, Crusaders for Democracy held a memorial event in Karaveddy, Jaffna, where Sivanesan’s sister joined Crusaders for Democracy leader C. Vendan and former LTTE members in paying tribute.
Sivanesan was killed by Sri Lankan Army’s Long Range Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LLRP) in Mankulam while travelling from Colombo to Mallavi during a ceasefire monitored by a Norwegian led mission. The day before, he had participated in a parliamentary debate in Colombo, where he voted against extending the state of emergency in Sri Lanka.
Following his killing, the TNA said, "the TNA stresses at this juncture that no force could stop Tamils voicing and fighting for the freedom of their community by killing its democratically elected representatives and subjecting them to intimidation and death threats.”
"Mr. Sivanesan worked hard for the emancipation of the Tamil people, against social injustice and for the development of co-operative movement. He won the hearts of Tamils by his unwavering stand on the freedom struggle by his deed and speech. He dedicated himself from the young age for the liberation of his people.”
"The death of Mr.Sivanesan is an irreparable loss to the Tamil community. His sacrifice would not go unrewarded. It would contribute to the liberation of the Tamil nation.”
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) posthumously conferred the title of Maamanithar (Great Human Being), the highest civilian honour given by the LTTE.
“He took up the responsibility of representing the people of Jaffna and roamed the world seeking justice for the Tamils. He raised awareness among our people and gathered their support. He exposed the atrocities of the Sinhala state and it's occupying military to the world. He was courageous even in the midst of repeated harassments and threats of the Sinhala military. His service for the liberation of Tamil Eelam through his hard work and exemplary skills are immeasurable,” LTTE Leader Mr V Prabhakaran said in a statement.
The Norwegian Embassy condemned the killing in a March 7 2008 press release, which said that, “attacks on members of Parliament are seriously undermining Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions and institutions. A political solution to the conflict is vital, to put an end to the spiral of violence.”