The assassinated Tamil MP Joseph Pararajasingham was remembered across the Tamil homeland today, marking the 13th anniversary of his killing.
Pararajasingham, who was a senior Tamil National Alliance (TNA) figure, and the MP for Batticaloa district, was shot and killed by two armed paramilitary men, whilst he was attending Christmas Eve midnight mass in 2005, at the St Mary's church in Batticaloa town.
His wife, Sugunam Pararajasingham was seriously wounded in the gunfire.
The assassination, which occurred during the official ceasefire between the government and the LTTE, was condemned by Tamils around the world.
"Mr Pararajasingham served as a supreme political leader working resolutely to confront forces that attempted to destroy Tamil Nationalism. Tamil people across the world regarded him as an honest leader and his murder has angered and saddened all of us," the head of the LTTE's political wing, S. P. Thamilchelvan told mourners in Kilinochchi who had gathered at his funeral to pay their respects. See here for coverage of his memorial event on December 28, 2005 by TamilNet.
Pararajasingham was posthumously conferred the title 'Maamanithar' by the LTTE.
In October 2017, the paramilitary leader, Pillayan was indicted over his murder, however over a year on, he is yet to be brought to trial.
In November, the Batticaloa High Court judge adjourned the trial until January 9, 2019, extending Pillayan's remand.
Batticaloa
The Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) held a commemorative event in Batticaloa, with party members and local residents paying tribute to the Tamil MP's memory.
Jaffna
The TNPF held another event in Jaffna.
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also held an event in Jaffna.
