1976 — The Beginning
The LTTE was officially formed with the vision of creating Tamil Eelam — an independent homeland for Tamils. Prabhakaran’s leadership quickly transformed the group into a disciplined military organization.
The True Story of the Tamil Eelam Leader
Velupillai Prabhakaran was born in Valvettithurai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka — a Tamil coastal town deeply rooted in culture and resilience. From an early age, he witnessed the systemic discrimination faced by Tamil people under government policies that marginalized their rights, culture, and language.
These injustices inspired a generation to rise. Prabhakaran, determined and strategic, formed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) with the dream of achieving equality and freedom for his people. His journey from a young revolutionary to the commander of one of the most organized insurgent movements in the world marked a turning point in South Asian history.
The LTTE was officially formed with the vision of creating Tamil Eelam — an independent homeland for Tamils. Prabhakaran’s leadership quickly transformed the group into a disciplined military organization.
The killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers triggered brutal anti-Tamil riots. Thousands were killed, and over 150,000 displaced. This tragedy intensified the Tamil struggle for independence under Prabhakaran’s command.
Prabhakaran established an administrative system including judiciary, police, banks, and even media channels — forming a de facto state where Tamils experienced dignity and governance.
Surrounded and outnumbered, Prabhakaran chose to fight till the end. On May 19, 2009, he fell in Kilinochi, embodying his vow: “I would prefer to die in honour rather than being caught alive by the enemy.”