News Update - 20051126
*** Topic: Maaveerar Naal ***
Maaveerar Naal literally means Heroes Day. It is observed annually on November 27, the date in 1982 in which the first LTTE member was killed in combat. Maaveerar ("great soldier" or hero, martyr) is used to refer to any LTTE member killed in combat (the word can be used as singular or plural). The LTTE often commemorates things after the people who have fought and died for the struggle. Women's Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the first female fighter to die in combat, and Black Tigers Day is celebrated similarly. During ceremonies, the parents of maaveerar will light the ceremonial lamp or raise the flag. Respectful rememberance is a strong part of the LTTE, and Maaveerar Naal is the biggest show of this, as most Tamils partake in it. Year ago, it was expanded from a single-day observance to a week-long event. It has also become a part of Maaveerar Naal for the LTTE leader Pirabhakaran to make an address that spells out the LTTE's official position on current issues. The LTTE is an organization that believes in a "let your actions precede your words" attitude. They rarely make official statements, but when they do, they mean them. This, in addition to the rapid growth in strength of the LTTE in recent years, makes the leader's speech one of the most important and closely observed in the whole island.
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16404 - On Friday, newly-elected President Rajapakse gave a speech to Sri Lanka to explain the stance on issues that he will take during his term. Prior to the speech, his campaign partners urged him to 'not forget' the hardline stance he took in campaigning for the elections.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/VBOL-6JFDFC?OpenDocument
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16410 - Rajapakse is beholden to the JVP for popular support. The JVP is ready to hold Rajapakse to his hardline election promises. His speech Friday rejecting the fundamental demands of Tamil aspirations is a reflection of that. Expect Sunday's speech during Maaveerar Naal to include an official response to this.
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=79&artid=16418
http://www.eelamweb.com/leader/messages/herosday/ - an archive of the speeches from previous Maaveerar Naal's. Some years have the original Tamil text and audio recording.
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16414 - A speech by Pottu Ammaan, one of the highest ranking officers in the Liberation Tiger military hierarchy, on what ultimately decides the worth of maaveerar's sacrifice.
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16413 - Photo gallery of Maaveerar Naal celebrations in Kilinochchi
http://www.sangam.org/taraki/articles/2005/11-25_Vanni_Prepares_for_Heroes_Day.php - A first-hand account of Maaveerar Naal preparations by an expatriate Tamil
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16192 - Submissions for a national anthem for Thamil Eelam are due by Sunday's Maaveerar Naal.