by K. Mylvaganam; Tamil Circle, #3360 and #3361, published March 9, 2004
We Attended An L.T.T.E. Wedding In Vanni
I have heard of the weddings taking place among the L.T.T.E. cadre, but never had the chance to attend one. This was the first time I had the rare opportunity to attend one personally. While my wife and I were in our farm in Kilinochchi the bridegroom, Gadafi, extended an invitation personally for us to attend his wedding that was to take place on the following day. He said that it would be held at 17.00 hours. We were really thrilled to witness an L.T.T.E. wedding.
Knowing a little about the punctuality of the L.T.T.E., we decided to be there well in time. Hence we were there at 16.45. We did not wish to miss any part of the ceremony. The hall was the same location where the L.T.T.E. leader V.Pirabakaran held the international press conference for the first time. We were surprised to note that the hall was almost filled with the guests. I was able to note top brasses like V.Balakumar, Thangan, deputy to S.P.Thamilchelvan, and Thamilini among the guests. Most of the guests were from the L.T.T.E.cadre, but I was able to see some people living in the vicinity also were present. I guess that there were around 250 in that hall.
 |
| Sri Lanka |
At 16.55 the bridegroom walked in along with some of his friends, who led him to the platform where the table was kept. He was dressed in the traditional way with Silk Dhotti, National and Turban. The turban looked very modern. At 16.57 a senior official of the L.T.T.E. approached us and requested my wife and I to function as the parents of the bride, “Vinn Arasi” (Queen of the Sky), as she has no parents and the couple, who were expected to give her away in matrimony had not turned up so far. This was really a very pleasant surprise and we felt infinitely honoured.
We gave our consent readily without any hesitation. We felt we were so lucky to watch the proceedings at close quarters. Exactly at 17.00 hours the bride walked in gracefully duly escorted by her friends who looked like angels. She too was dressed in the traditional Red Koorai. I am used to seeing the L.T.T.E. girls and boys either in their striped uniform or in casual dress. This was the first time I saw them dressed up very elegantly. The girls looked very pretty in their Surithas and Saris. Gadafi did not have his father, either. But the mother, a widow, and sister were present. They were seated on the right hand side of Gadafi. I was extremely pleased to note this progressive step taken by the L.T.T.E.
Among us Tamils we have certain superstitious beliefs that we must get rid of. One is that the widows are not given a prominent role in any public, cultural or religious functions. They are mercilessly kept in the background. A widow is not allowed to participate openly even in her own children’s weddings. I am glad that the L.T.T.E. has got rid of that curse in their weddings. I hope the rest of the Tamil community will adopt this positive change in future.
There was no traditional “Mannavarai” as such. We saw instead a table and a few chairs behind it. There was no decoration either. The only decoration worth mentioning was the beautiful tablecloth that was spread over the table and a small photograph of the leader of the L.T.T.E. on it. It looked as if we were going to witness a political meeting or listen to an oration.
A senior officer from the L.T.T.E. officiated as the registrar of the marriage. He read out a declaration that was repeated by the groom. In short it said that he would adhere to the marriage faithfully and uphold the good name of L.T.T.E. and the Tamil nation. Once it was done he signed the declaration, which was in three copies. His mother also endorsed beside him on all the three copies. Next the bride followed suit and I was called upon to endorse her copies. With this the official part of the wedding seemed to be over. This was now followed by the tying of the Thali by the bridegroom. The Thali differed from the normal Thali.
This had two tiger teeth and a tiger symbol in the middle. It was made out of gold and hung on a yellow string (manchal kayiru). The Thali was placed on top of two garlands on a silver tray and taken round to the guests present for their blessings. The Groom was now handed over the Thali. The string was already knotted and the groom had to only slide it over the head of the bride. The Nathaswaram or mangala vaathiyam was played in the background. The time now was 17.17 hours. Hence the wedding ceremony as such took only 17 minutes. Everyone was served with short eats that were already packed in small bags. Tea was served to end the programme. The hall was vacated at 17.50 hours. I was told that there was another wedding to take place at 18.00 hours. That was timing I told myself.
My wife and I prayed within our-selves for the couple to have a happy, healthy and loving family life in future.
************************************************
Convocation Ceremony at The Law College in Kilinochchi
I had the opportunity to attend the Convocation Ceremony at the Law College in Kilinochchi. This was the fourth batch of students who graduated through the above college. The course normally takes three years, but due to the war that prevailed in Thamil Eelam it took four years for this batch to complete it.
The Chief Administrator of the Judiciary Services, Mr.Pararajasingam, presided over the meeting. The special guest was Mr.S.P.Thamilchelvan, head of the political wing of the L.T.T.E. The ceremony started with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Mr.Pon Thiagu, followed by the hoisting of the Tamil Eelam flag by Mr.Thangan, who is the deputy leader of the Peace Secretariat. After observing a two-minute silence in memory of those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Tamil nation and the Tamil homeland, the meeting started with the presidential address by Mr.Pararajasingam.
In his speech he mentioned that the Judiciary Services had just completed 10 years since its inception. During this period it had received 30,400 cases and had disposed of 23,000 so far. This averages nearly 200 cases per month, which is extremely good when compared with the Sri Lankan judiciary. There are several courts functioning in various parts of Thamil Eelam viz Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Mallavi.
Great importance is given to the independent nature of the institution. Priority of the top order is given to adhering to justice without succumbing to political or personal influence. He added that there exist several forms of courts, namely, the Police court, the Magistrate court, the District Court, the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court.
This was followed by the speech of Mr.S.P.Thamilchelvan. I was very much taken up by his oration. This was the first time I listened to him live. His speech reminded me of great orators like S.W.R.D.Bandaranaiyake, Colvin R.de Silva and Arignar Annathurai. He had no notes in front of him. Words were just flowing so freely. His voice too was very captivating to listen to. He traced the history of the Judiciary services and reiterated what Mr.Pararajasingam said about the independence of the Judiciary. At the commencement of the judiciary services ten years back he said that several leading lawyers who were called in for advice were very sceptical about its success.
To this the L.T.T.E. leader Mr.Velupillai seemed to have said that, while a baby is about to be born, one does not doubt about its health or its longevity. Instead we have to believe that it would be a healthy child and that it would grow well and prosper in its life. Our leader’s prediction has come true. He urged the successful candidates who are to receive their certificates to adhere to the wishes of our leader in that they should exercise honesty, impartiality and execute their duties without endangering or infringing justice. He added that several foreigners who visited Tamil Eelam were impressed with the proper functioning, efficiency, and the speed with which the cases are disposed of.
The freedom and the absence of political interference and the honesty that existed in the judicial system stood out as the most striking and praiseworthy factors.
I could hardly believe that an hour had just passed since he commenced his speech. It was very captivating, informative and interesting as well. It was a real treat to listen to him.
I was told that the solicitors are not permitted to levy fees according to their whims and fancies. Instead there are fixed rates that have to be paid at the office of the respective court by the clients and the solicitors get this fee passed on them by the office. Hence the possibility of solicitors scrounging the clients is avoided. This is a big burden taken off the shoulders of the people. I am also aware of a couple of solicitors who do not levy any fees if the clients are found to be too poor to pay their fees.
I have one appeal to make to the Tamil solicitors living abroad. There is a great shortage for lecturers at the Law College in Kilinochchi. Mr.Pararajasingam, who is in charge of the judiciary service in Thamil Eelam, will be very much obliged if a few Tamil solicitors could visit their college in Kilinochchi and deliver some lectures even for a short duration. Food and lodging would be provided. He could be reached on telephone 00 94 21 222 3955. If he is not available at the time, one could ask for Mr.Atchuthan, who is the principal of the Law College. Failing all this, I could be reached on 00 44 20 8813 7195. I intend to be here in Vanni until 28.03.04. Any message could be left at the same number – 00 94 21 222 3955.
Apart from Lawyers even others who are conversant in English are needed to teach the students English. All the students do read, write and understand English. But they cannot express themselves orally in English.
I hope and pray that there are a few who will volunteer to help.
Courtesty Tamil Circle, #3360 and #3361