Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, was removed from the Thileepan Memorial Square in Nallur, Jaffna, after facts were reported to the relevant area court.
Speaking during a televised interview, Minister Jayatissa said that the Police had reported facts to the court and that a case is being deliberated with regard to the statute.
Minister Jayatissa further revealed that commemorative events marking Thileepan’s death anniversary have been held over the years in September in the North using his picture, but this was the first time a statue had been placed.
“A statue was placed this year, which was removed by the Police. The LTTE is a prohibited group. The laws of our country do not allow the promotion of a banned outfit, including their flags, logo, etc. Legal action will be taken against such activities. Prior to removing the statue, the Police had presented facts to the court. The case in this regard is being deliberated before the court. This was the action taken,” he explained.
Minister Jayatissa noted that there have been attempts from time to time to cause racial tensions in the country, but the government will not tolerate such actions and will initiate legal action.
His comments come in response to a question about the removal of a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, from the Thileepan Memorial Square in Nallur, Jaffna.
The statue was removed by the Police on Sunday (27), a day after commemorative events marking the 39th anniversary of Thileepan’s death concluded at the site.
Thileepan died in September 1987 following a hunger strike in Nallur during which he presented several demands to the Indian government. (Newswire)