In Tamil society, it is common for those who are educated, skilled, and holding important government positions to proudly consider themselves “intellectuals.” However, the harm they inflict upon their own Tamil community — through acts of historical betrayal and expressions steeped in prejudice — will forever be recorded in history as condemnable offences.
Such actions are not mere mistakes. They are deliberate attempts to distort the history of the Tamil liberation struggle, to portray the Tamil people as a “hereditary criminal race,” and to plant seeds of division that will mislead future generations about the true nature of our liberation struggle. The entire Tamil community must strongly oppose these acts to safeguard the truth of our history.
An Official Government Letter That Insults Former Tamil Eelam Liberation Tigers
Recently, the Regional Director of Health Services for the Mannar District, Dr. Vinoden, issued an official letter that has sparked widespread outrage among the Tamil community. In that letter, he referred to the husband of a female Family Health Officer as an “Ex. LTTE Terrorist.”
This is not a casual slip of the tongue — it is the deliberate use of prejudiced and politically charged language in an official, government-issued document, stamped with the state emblem, to insult the history of the Tamil people’s liberation struggle and the sacrifices of our heroes.
The Legal Problem
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) remains in force in Sri Lanka. In such a context, describing a rehabilitated former combatant as a “terrorist” in an official document places that individual’s life, family safety, and livelihood at serious risk.
Even the Sri Lankan military, in its official statements, refers to such individuals only as “former LTTE members” or “rehabilitated cadres.” For a government health sector official to use the word “terrorist” is not only politically motivated but also a violation of administrative discipline and a serious legal offence.
Social and Political Consequences
Such language usage:
Portrays former Tamil combatants as “permanent criminals” in society.
Distorts and delegitimizes the Tamil liberation struggle.
Creates false narratives for future generations.
Divides the united voice of the Tamil community.
The Need to Protect Historical Truth
Approximately 12,000 former Tamil Eelam Liberation Tigers were reintegrated into society under the so-called “rehabilitation” process. These individuals dedicated the prime years of their lives to the struggle for the rights of the Tamil people. Allowing them to live the rest of their lives peacefully and securely is both a matter of human rights and basic justice.
The Tamil Community’s Stand
Dr. Vinoden’s action clearly carries a political motive, evident from his background as a supporter of the National People’s Power (JVP) — a party known for its historic opposition to Tamil self-determination. By describing Tamil freedom fighters as “terrorists” in an official letter, he has deeply offended the Tamil people’s sentiments. Therefore:
● He must immediately issue a public apology to the Tamil people.
● He must formally retract his offensive wording in writing.
● Failing this, the Tamil community must socially, politically, and culturally isolate him from all Tamil circles.
Conclusion:
The identity, history, and sacrifices of Tamil heroes form the pride of our nation. Any attempt to destroy these — regardless of the position or title of the person involved — must be opposed firmly. History will never forgive, and the Tamil people will never forgive, any so-called “intellectual” who aids in the agenda of Tamil genocide.
Written by
Eelaththu Nilavan
11/08/2025
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Amizhthu’s editorial stance.
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