The Sacrifice of the Fallen Must Lead to Liberation for the Tamil Nation – Sumanthiran

24-Nov-2025

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If the President truly believes his statement that all people in the country are equal, then just as he honours his own comrades who died in war, he must also ensure that the dreams of our fallen heroes are fulfilled through a political solution, said M.A. Sumanthiran, General Secretary of the Tamil National Alliance.

He made these remarks while speaking at an event in Mullaitivu, Vallipunam, honouring the parents and relatives of fallen LTTE fighters.

He continued:

“November is the month in which nations around the world remember those who fought and died for their countries. That is why soldiers and combatants worldwide are remembered with the poppy flower. This is a global practice.

In the same spirit, during this Kartikai month, we remember those who died fighting not for themselves but for us.

A few days ago, on November 13, we saw images of the current President standing at the Wijayaba Devi Park, paying tribute to those who fought alongside him and died. Behind him was a photograph of him in uniform with his then-leader. We saw him and others emotionally honouring their fallen comrades.

Likewise, those who fought for the liberation of our people hold a permanent place in our hearts. They gave their lives for us. We can never fully express our gratitude for their sacrifice.

When we saw mothers and sisters still crying after all these years, it was clear that the pain persists not only because their loved ones died, but also because the Tamil nation has not yet achieved the liberation that their sacrifice aimed to secure. Their fear is that the sacrifice may become meaningless.

If their deaths had indeed resulted in liberation, there would be a sense of fulfilment. But uncertainty prevails.

They fought for a sovereign nation. Even if that goal has shifted, at minimum we must establish a system in which we govern ourselves. Their sacrifice must not go to waste. Liberation must be achieved within the lifetime of their parents. We must at least secure self-governance.

When our party recently met the President, we discussed political solutions for an entire hour. For 70 years, we have engaged in various forms of struggle.

No community in the world will accept being treated as second-class citizens. When one group is three times larger than another in a democratic system, that smaller community cannot enjoy equal status, because elections always favour the majority.

This is why we demand power-sharing. We ask that in the regions where we form the majority, authority must be devolved. Even if no one else deserves this, our fallen fighters deserve it.

Parents of fallen fighters must be able to say, ‘My son or daughter gave their life for this, and I have seen its result.’

Those who accuse us of abandoning the idea of a separate state should first ask whether anyone today is calling for it.

When the President honours those who once fought alongside him — who were labelled ‘terrorists’ at the time — we ask him: if all are equal, then he must honour our martyrs’ aspirations too by granting a political solution.”