During the Sri Lankan Civil War militant groups, paramilitary groups and government security forces were accused of assassinating many public figures on suspicion of being sympathizers or informants, in retaliation for killings and attacks, to eliminate competition from rival groups, or to stifle dissent.[1] The following is a list of notable assassinations of the Sri Lankan Civil War, attributed by various self-admissions, NGOs, United Nations agencies, foreign governments, and the state-owned media of Sri Lanka

Background

The Sri Lankan Civil War was in a conflict on the island-nation of Sri Lanka. Between 1983 and 2009 there was an intermittent civil war, predominantly between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist militant organisation who during this time fought for the creation of an independent state named Tamil Eelam in the North and East of the island. The UN has estimated that up to 100,000 people (combatants and civilians) may have been killed during the 26 years of fighting.[2] The civil war has caused significant harm to the population and economy of the country, as well as leading to the ban of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation in 32 countries including the United States, Australia, the countries of the European Union and Canada. The war ended in May 2009 when the Sri Lankan military defeated the LTTE. Numerous human rights violations have been committed by both the Sri Lankan military and the LTTE, including the assassination of individuals by both sides. A majority of the notable figures on this list were members of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, and in many instances were allegedly assassinated by the LTTE for taking moderate political stances, or for rejecting militant action and attempting to engage in the democratic process in Sri Lanka.

Assassinations

Heads of state and government

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Rajiv GandhiFormer Prime Minister of India21 May 1991Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, IndiaSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed, but they denied it until 2006. In 2006, LTTE chief negotiator Anton Balasingham said "(Rajiv Gandhi's assassination) is a great tragedy, a monumental historical tragedy for which we deeply regret".[3][4][5]
Ranasinghe PremadasaPresident of Sri Lanka1 May 1993ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[6][7][8][9]
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Ministers

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Ranjan WijeratneMinister of Defence; UNP MP2 March 1991ColomboCar bombLTTE is blamed.[9][10]
Lalith AthulathmudaliFormer cabinet minister; DUNF (formerly UNP) MP (Colombo District)23 April 1993Kirulapana, ColomboShotPresident Premadasa was found to be directly responsible for the assassination of Lalith Athulathmudali.[11]
Gamini DissanayakeFormer cabinet minister; UNP presidential candidate24 October 1994Thotalanga, Grandpass, ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[8][9][12][13]
Weerasinghe MallimarachchiFormer cabinet minister; UNP MP (Colombo District)LTTE is blamed.[8][9]
G. M. PremachandraFormer cabinet minister; former chief minister; former UNP MP (Kurunegala District)LTTE is blamed.[8][9]
C. V. GunaratneMinister of Industrial Development; SLFP MP (Colombo District)8 June 2000Ratmalana, ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[14]
Lakshman KadirgamarMinister of Foreign Affairs; SLFP MP (National List)12 August 2005ColomboSniperLTTE is blamed by the government and European Union,[9][15][16][17] but the LTTE denied involvement in it.[18]
D. M. DassanayakeNation Building Minister; SLFP MP (Puttalam District)8 January 2008Ja-Ela, Gampaha DistrictRoadside bombingLTTE is blamed.[19]
Jeyaraj FernandopulleMinister of Highways & Road Development; SLFP MP (Gampaha District)6 April 2008Weliveriya, Gampaha DistrictSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[20]
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Members of Sri Lankan parliament

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Alfred DuraiappahFormer Independent MP (Jaffna); Independent Mayor of Jaffna27 July 1975JaffnaShotLTTE leader V. Prabhakaran himself.[21][22]
M. CanagaratnamUNP (formerly TULF) MP (Pottuvil)20 April 1980ColomboShotShot by Prabhakaran and Uma Maheswaran in 1978, and succumbed to his wounds in 1980.[23]
A. ThiagarajahFormer ACTC MP (Vaddukoddai); UNP candidate; former principal, Karainagar Hindu College24 May 1981ShotPLOTE and LTTE blamed.[24][21][25]
M. AlalasundaramFormer TULF MP (Kopay)2 September 1985Thinnaveli, JaffnaShotTELO is blamed.[24][21][26]
V. DharmalingamFormer TULF MP (Manipay)2 September 1985Manipay, JaffnaShotTELO and RAW are blamed.[24][21][26]
A. L. Abdul MajeedIndependent (formerly SLFP) MP (Muttur)13 November 1987Muttur, TrincomaleeShotLTTE is blamed.[24]
V. YogeswaranFormer TULF MP (Jaffna)13 July 1989Wijerama Mawatha, ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[21][27]
A. AmirthalingamFormer Leader of the Opposition; leader of the TULF; TULF MP (National List)
Sam TambimuttuEPRLF MP (Batticaloa District)7 May 1990ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[21][28]
G. YogasangariEPRLF MP (Jaffna District)19 June 1990Kodambakam, Madras, TN, IndiaGrenade and gun attackLTTE is blamed.[21][27]
Ossie AbeygunasekaraUNP MP (Colombo District)24 October 1994Thotalanga, Grandpass, ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[8][9]
Gamini WijesekaraUNP MP; Secretary, UNP
A. ThangathuraiTULF MP (Trincomalee District)5 July 1997TrincomaleeGrenade and gun attackLTTE is blamed.[21]
M. E. H. MaharoofUNP MP (Trincomalee District)20 July 1997TrincomaleeShotLTTE is blamed by SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[29]
S. ShanmuganathanPLOTE MP (Vanni District)15 July 1998Irambaikkulam, Vavuniya DistrictRoadside bombingLTTE is blamed.[21]
Neelan TiruchelvamTULF MP (National List)29 July 1999ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[30]
Nadarajah Atputharajah
(alias Ramesh)
EPDP MP (Jaffna District); publisher of Thinamurasu newspaper2 November 1999ColomboShotEPDP is blamed.[21]
Kingsley RasanayagamTNA MP (Batticaloa District)20 October 2000Iruthayapuram, BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed.[31]
Nimalan SoundaranayagamTULF MP (Batticaloa District)7 November 2000Kiran, Batticaloa DistrictShotLTTE is blamed.[21] Killed on the orders of Karuna Amman.[21]
A. ChandranehruFormer TNA/TULF MP (Ampara District)7 February 2005Batticaloa DistrictAmbushTMVP/Karuna Amman is blamed.[21][32] Tamil National Force, a TMVP/ENDLF front, claimed responsibility.
Joseph PararajasinghamTNA/TULF MP (Batticaloa District)25 December 2005BatticaloaShotTMVP, EPDP and the government are blamed.[21][33][34] The Government and the LTTE blame each other.[34][35]
S. SivamaharajahFormer TULF MP (Jaffna District); editor of Namathu Eelanadu (Our Eelam Nation) newspaper20 August 2006Tellippalai, Jaffna DistrictShotEPDP is blamed.[21] The government is blamed by TNA.[citation needed] LTTE is blamed by SATP, a pro-government organisation.[36]
Nadarajah RavirajTNA/TULF MP (Jaffna District); former Mayor of Jaffna10 November 2006ColomboShotEPDP is blamed.[21] TMVP and the government are blamed by the TNA.[37] Gotabaya Rajapaksa, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Sri Lanka, was accused of involvement in the assassination by UTHR, a local human rights organisation.[38] LTTE is blamed by the International Center for Strategic Defense.[39]
T. MaheshwaranUNP MP (Colombo District)1 January 2008ColomboShotEPDP s blamed.[21][40] The government is blamed by UNP.[41] Wikileads stated that the Karuna Group was to be blamed.[citation needed]
K. SivanesanTNA MP (Jaffna District)6 March 2008A 9 highway, Mullaitivu DistrictRoadside bombingSri Lankan Army's LRRP is blamed.[21][42][43]
Shantha Kumara PunchihewaFormer UNP MP (Vanni District); UNP organiser, Vavuniya District6 October 2008AnuradhapuraSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed by government.[44]
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Provincial councillors

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
P. GaneshalingamFormer EPRLF minister, North Eastern Provincial Council28 January 1990LTTE is blamed.[26]
P. KirubakaranFormer EPRLF Finance Minister, North Eastern Provincial Council19 June 1990Kodambakam, Madras, TN, IndiaGrenade and gun attackLTTE is blamed.[21][27]
P. SooriyamoorthyFormer provincial councillor, deputy speaker, North- Eastern provincial council, Former Mayor Trincomalee district25 May 2005TrincomaleeShotLTTE blamed by the government.
Janaka PereraUNP Leader of the Opposition, North Central Provincial Council; former Chief of Staff, Sri Lankan Army6 October 2008AnuradhapuraSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed by the government.[44]
Sunil DissanayakaUNP provincial councillor
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Local councillors

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
K. T. PulendranMember of Vavuniya Urban Council, UNP organiser for Vavuniya District19 January 1983VavuniyaShotUnknown
S. NadarajahFormer TULF Chairman, Jaffna District Development Council12 February 1988LTTE is blamed.[21]
S. SambandamoorthyFormer TULF Chairman, Batticaloa District Development Council7 March 1989Chenkalady, Batticaloa DistrictShotLTTE is blamed.[21][45]
T. JeyarajahChairman, Chenkalady Pradeshiya Sabha13 September 1994Chenkalady, Batticaloa DistrictShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
Thomas AntonDeputy Mayor of Batticaloa26 October 1995BatticaloaLTTE is blamed SATP, a pro-government organisation.[47]
Nagarmani RajaduraiChairman, Mandur Pradeshiya Shaba16 April 1996Mandur, BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
Kandiah AmirthalingamVice Chairman, Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha29 September 1996OddamavadiShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
Sarojini YogeswaranTULF Mayor of Jaffna17 May 1998JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed.[21] Sankiliyan Force, suspected to be a front organisation for the LTTE, has claimed responsibility.[48][49]
Pon SivapalanTULF Mayor of Jaffna11 September 1998JaffnaClaymore bomb attackLTTE is blamed.[21][27]
P. KandasamyMember of Pradeshiya Sabha14 February 1999AvarankalShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
Veerahaththy GunaratnamPLOTE Member, Pachchilaipalli Pradheshiya Sabha5 May 1999VavuniyaShotUnknown[50]
M. BalasinghamMember of Pradeshiya Sabha12 May 1999Urumpirai, JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
T. RajkumarMember of Pradeshiya Sabha31 May 1999KandaramadamShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
Murugesu Gunaratnam
(alias Vino)
Former PLOTE Deputy Chairman, Kaluvanchikudi Pradeshiya Sabha; public relations officer2 September 1999VavuniyaBombLTTE is blamed.[51]
Vadivelu Vijeyaratnam
(alias Sellakili Master)
PLOTE Chairman, Point Pedro Urban Council14 January 2000Point Pedro, Jaffna DistrictShotUnknown[52]
Chelian PerinpanayagamFormer Mayor of Batticaloa, writer, journalist10 September 2000Eastern KalmunaiShotLTTE is blamed by UTHR, a local human right organisation.[53]
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Other politicians

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
S. J. MuttiahUNP candidate, Chavakacheri29 April 1983Chavakacheri, JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46][54]
S. RajaratnamUNP candidate, ValvettithuraiValvettithurai, JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
K. B. RatnasinghamUNP candidate, Point PedroPoint Pedro, Jaffna DistrictShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46][54]
Canagasabai RajathuraiEPDP MemberJaffnaShotUnknown
A. J. RajasooriarUNP organiser, Jaffna District12 August 1983Jaffna DistrictShotUnknown
Velamurugu MasterTULF organiser; Member, Kalmunai Citizens Committee20 August 1983KalmunaiShotUnknown
Mala RamachandranUNP member, Batticaloa Municipal Council1 September 1983BatticaloaShotUnknown
S. GopallapillaiUNP candidate18 September 1983JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
S. VidyanandanDistrict Secretary, Communist Party8 March 1988Chunnakam, Jaffna DistrictShotUnknown
Karavai KandasamyDeputy chairman, DPLF31 December 1994Robert Place, ColomboShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
K. VinothanFormer SLFP organiser, Jaffna District28 April 1995Sea Avenue, ColomboShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
S. T. TharmalingamSLFP organiser, Jaffna District3 October 1997Columbuthurai, Jaffna DistrictShotUnknown
S. A. OswaldSLFP Secretary, Gurunagar24 June 1998Gurunagar, JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
Pon Mathimukarajah
(Mathimugaraj)
General Secretary, TULF Nallur Branch26 December 1998Nallur, Jaffna DistrictShotUnknown
Lakshman AlgamaUNP politician; Former Chief of Staff, Sri Lankan Army18 December 1999Ja-Ela, Gampaha DistrictSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed by the government.[55]
Kumar PonnambalamLeader of the ACTC; lawyer5 January 2000ColomboShotGovernment is blamed by his family.[56]National Front Against Terrorism has claimed responsibility.[57]
Anton SivalingamEPDP Member1 March 2000JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[58]
Kanapathipillai NavaratnarajahTELO member7 June 2000BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed.[59]
Rajan SathiyamoorthyTNA parliamentary candidate30 March 2004BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed.[21][60]
Vanniasingham VigneswaranTNA member; President, Trincomalee District Tamil Peoples' Forum7 April 2006TrincomaleeShotTMVP is blamed.[21]
John PulleUNP organiser, Anuradhapura District; former Sri Lankan Ambassador6 October 2008AnuradhapuraSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed by the government.[44]
Kumaraswamy Nandagopan
(alias Ragu)
President, TMVP14 November 2008Colombo DistrictShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[61]
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Military officers

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Major General Lucky WijayaratneCommander, 22 Brigade18 December 1990Trincomalee DistrictLand mineLTTE is blamed.[62]
Rear Admiral Mohan JayamahaCommander, Northern Naval Area8 August 1992Kayts, Jaffna DistrictLand mineLTTE is blamed.[63] Involvement of Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa is speculated.[64]
Lt. General Denzil KobbekaduwaGeneral Officer Commanding, Northern Sector
Major General Vijaya WimalaratneCommander, Jaffna Brigade
Admiral Clancy FernandoCommander of the Sri Lanka Navy16 November 1992ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[65] He is the senior most military officer killed by the LTTE.
Lt. General Nalin AngammanaGeneral Officer Commanding, 3rd Army Division, Sri Lankan Army30 July 1995BatticaloaLand mineLTTE is blamed.[66]
Major General Ananda HamangodaBrigade Commander, 51-2 Brigade4 July 1996JaffnaSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[67][68]
Major General Larry WijeratneBrigade Commander, 51-4 Brigade14 May 1998JaffnaSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[67]
Major General Susantha MendisBrigade Commander, 51-4 Brigade11 September 1998JaffnaBombingLTTE is blamed
Major General Percy FernandoDeputy General Officer Commanding, 54 Division20 April 2000Elephant Pass, Kilinochchi DistrictSniperLTTE is blamed.[69]
Colonel Tuan Nizam MuthaliffCommanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Military Intelligence Corps31 May 2005ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[70]
Lt. General Parami KulatungaDeputy Chief of Staff, Sri Lankan Army26 June 2006ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[67]
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Police officers

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Kandiah KarunanithyPC3164 CID, Kankesanthurai police14 February 1977MaviddapuramShotPrabhakaran, Sellakili, Charles Anthony – LTTE is blamed. He is the first police officer to be murdered by Tamil militants.[23]
IP T. I. BastiampillaiInspector of Police, CID7 April 1978MannarShot along with his police teamLt. Sellakili, a former bodyguard of Prabhakaran.[23]
ASP Ivan BotejuAssistant Superintendent of Police, KalmunaiJune 1990Ampara DistrictShotLTTE is blamed.[71][72]
DIG Richard WijesekaraSuperintendent of Police, Trincomalee1991TrincomaleelandmineLTTE is blamed.[73]
SSP Chandra PereraSuperintendent of Police, Jaffna11 September 1998JaffnaBombing at Mayor's officeLTTE is blamed.[74]
SDIG T. N. De SilvaSDIG, Colombo Range18 December 1999ColomboBomb blast targeting President Chandrika KumaratungaLTTE is blamed.[75]
ASP E. M. H. B EkanayakeAsst. Superintendent of Police (Posthumous), Colombo 032004ColomboBombing at Kollupitiya Police Station targeting EPDP Leader Douglas DevanandaLTTE is blamed.[73]
DIG Charles WijewardeneSuperintendent of Police, Jaffna5 August 2005JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed.[76]
DIG Upul SeneviratneDirector of Training, Special Task Force7 August 2006Digana, KandyRoadside bombingLTTE is blamed.[77]
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Civil servants

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
V. M. PanchalingamDistrict Secretary/Government Agent, Jaffna District1 May 1989Nallur, Jaffna DistrictShotLTTE is blamed by SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78][79]
Markandu EswaramChief Engineer11 September 1998Nallur, Jaffna DistrictBombing at Mayor's officeLTTE is blamed by SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
T. KailainathanDirector of Vocational Qualification4 April 2005LTTE is blamed by UTHR, a local human right organisation.[80]
A. L. M. FaleelDivisional Secretary/Assistant Government Agent, Kattankudy, Batticaloa District4 December 2005BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed.[81]
Pon. GaneshamoorthyGeneral Manager, People's Bank; literary figure; poet4 August 2006Kankesanthurai, Jaffna DistrictShotSri Lanka military intelligence is blamed.[82]
Ketheesh LoganathanCo-founder, Centre for Policy Alternatives; Deputy Leader, Government Peace Secretariat12 August 2006ColomboShotLTTE is blamed. Loganathan was called a traitor by nitharsanam.com, a website allegedly run by the LTTE.[83]
Q. AnantharajanGrama Service Officer; Political Science Lecturer30 November 2006JaffnaShotLTTE[78]
Herath AbeyweeraChief Secretary, Eastern Provincial Council16 July 2007TrincomaleeShotLTTE is blamed.[84][85]
N. NanthakumarDivisional Secretary/Assistant Government Agent, Thunukkai, Mullaitivu District29 June 2008MullaitivuClaymore bomb attackSri Lankan Army's LRRP is blamed.[86][87]
Samanturai AnthonimuttuDistrict Secretary/Government Agent, Batticaloa DistrictBatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed by the SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
S. S. JeganathanDivisional Secretary/Assistant Government Agent, Batticaloa DistrictBatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed by the SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
RajshankarPresident, Thenmarachchi Citizens CimmitteeThenmarachchi, Jaffna DistrictShotLTTE is blamed by the SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
SinnaduraiDivisional Secretary/Assistant Government Agent, Trincomalee DistrictTrincomaleeShotLTTE is blamed by the SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
B. K. ThambipillaiPresident, Citizens CimmitteeShotLTTE is blamed by the SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
VignarajahSarvodaya Leader; District Secretary/Government AgentShotLTTE is blamed by the SPUR, a pro-government organisation.[78]
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Journalists

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
I. ShanmugalingamStaff Reporter, Eelanadu and Eelamurasu newspapers6 November 1989JaffnaKidnapped and executedLTTE informed family that they killed him three days later.[citation needed]
Richard de ZoysaAuthor; journalist18 February 1990Welikadawatte, ColomboShotSenior Superintendent of Police Ronnie Gunasinghe and other police officers are involved on the orders of President Ranasinghe Premadasa.[88][89]
K. S. RajaReporter, Radio Ceylon3 September 1994ColomboShotEPDP is blamed.[90]
Chelvy ThiyagarajahFounder, Tholi1997JaffnaKidnapped and executedLTTE is blamed.[91][92]
Mylvaganam NimalarajanReporter, BBC19 October 2000JaffnaShotEPDP is blamed.[93][94]
Aiyathurai NadesanReporter, Virakesari31 May 2004BatticaloaShotTMVP is blamed by Human Rights Watch.[95]
Balanadarajah IyerLead editor, EPDP; founder, Thinamurasu newspaper16 August 2004ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[96][97]
Taraki SivaramEditor, TamilNet28 April 2005Colombo DistrictShotTMVP is blamed.[98]
Relangi SelvarajahTV announcer; freelance producer12 August 2005ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[99]
Subramaniyam SugirdharajanCorrespondent, Sudar Oli24 January 2006TrincomaleeShotUnknown gunmen.[100]
Ranjith KumarJournalist, Uthayan2 May 2006JaffnaShotEPDP is blamed.[citation needed]
Suresh KumarJournalist, Uthayan
Sampath Lakmal de SilvaFreelance journalist2 July 2006Dehiwela, Colombo DistrictShotSri Lankan Army is blamed.[citation needed]
Chandrabose SuthaharanEditor, Nilam magazine16 April 2007Thirunavatkulam, Vavuniya DistrictShotKillers reportedly spoke both Sinhala and Tamil.[101]
Selvarajah RajivarnamReporter, Uthayan29 April 2007JaffnaShotEPDP is blamed.[102]
Sahathevan NilakshanJournalist, Chaalaram1 August 2007Kokkuvil, Jaffna DistrictShot[citation needed]
P. DevakumaranJournalist, Shakthi TV28 May 2008Navanthurai, Jaffna DistrictHacked to deathEPDP is blamed.[103]
Lasantha WickramatungeEditor-in-chief, The Sunday Leader8 January 2009ColomboShotGovernment was blamed by Wickramatunge in a posthumous editorial.[104]
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Academics

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
C. E. AnandarajahPrincipal, St. John's College, Jaffna26 June 1985JaffnaShotLTTE claimed responsibility and provided reasons in a public notice (he was killed for organizing a game between the students and the Sri Lankan forces).[105]
M. E. KandasamyPrincipal, Palugamam Maha VidyalayaBatticaloaShotUnknown
S. SiththamparanathanPrincipal, Vigneswara Vidyalaya, Trincomalee31 January 1988TrincomaleeShotUnknown
Ponniah Selvarajah aka Pon SelvarajahTeacher; Village Officer3 September 1988Poonari Madam, Kokkuvil, Jaffna DistrictShotFrom Punnalaikkadduvan North, Jaffna [citation needed]
Rajani ThiranagamaUniversity teacher; political activist; human rights activist25 September 1989Thirunelveli, Jaffna DistrictShotLTTE is blamed.[106]
Nadarajah SivakadatchamPrincipal, Kopay Christian College11 October 2006JaffnaShotEPDP is blamed.[107]
Kanapathy RajaduraiPrincipal, Jaffna Central College12 October 2006JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed.[108][109]
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Religious figures

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Father George JeyarajasinghamMethodist priest; human rights activist13 December 1984Mannar DistrictShotSri Lankan Army is blamed.[110]
Father Mary BastianCatholic priest; human rights activist6 January 1985Vankalai, Mannar DistrictShotSri Lankan security forces are blamed.[111]
Venerable Bakamune Subaddalanakara TheroBuddhist priest4 June 1986Andankulam, Trincomalee DistrictshotLTTE is blamed by the government.[112]
Venerable Hegoda Sri IndrasaraChief Incumbent (Priest), Vidyananda Maha Pirivena2 June 1987Arantalawa, Ampara DistrictShot/hackedLTTE is blamed.[113][114]
Father Chandra FernandoCatholic priest; human rights activist6 June 1988BatticaloaShotEPRLF is blamed.[115][116] PLOTE is blamed by TamilNet.[117]
Most Venerable Matara Kithalagama Sri Seelalankara Nayaka Thero aka Dimbulagala HamuduruwoBuddhist priest; Chief Incumbent (Priest), Dimbulagala Temple, Polonnaruwa District26 May 1995DimbulagalaShotLTTE is blamed.[118][119]
Father Thiruchelvam Nihal Jim BrownCatholic priest2006Allaippiddi, Jaffna DistrictDisappeared and found deadSri Lankan Navy is blamed.[120][121][122][123][124][125][126]
Venerable Selliah Parameswaran KurukkalHindu priest; Chief Priest, Santhiveli Pilleyar Kovil, Batticaloa11 February 2007BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed.[citation needed] Ven. Selliah Parameswaran Kurukkal was the Hindu priest who garlanded and welcomed Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to the Vaharai area after it was captured from the Tamil Tigers.[127]
Venerable Hadungamuwe NandaratheneChief Incumbent (Priest), Sri Pabbattharamaya Temple, Mahadivulwewa-Stage 1, Morawewa14 May 2007MorawewaShotLTTE is blamed.[128]
Father Nicholas Pillai PakiaranjithCatholic priest; aid worker26 September 2007Kalvilaan, Mannar DistrictRoadside bombingSri Lankan Army's LRRP is blamed.[129][130][131][132]
Father M. X. KarunaratnamNorth East Secretariat on Human Rights (NESoHR)20 April 2008MannankulamClaymore attackSri Lankan Army's LRRP is blamed.[133][134]
Venerable Sivashri Kungaraja KurukkalHindu priest; Chief Priest, Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee21 September 2008ShotLTTE is blamed.[135]
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Militants

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Oberoi ThevanFounder and leader, Tamil Eelam Liberation Army (TELA)14 August 1983ShotLTTE cadres on the orders of Prabhakaran.[136][137]
Sri SabaratnamLeader, TELO5 May 1986Jaffna peninsulaShotKittu (Sathasivam Krishnakumar) of the LTTE.[27]
Uma MaheswaranLeader, PLOTE16 July 1989ColomboShotENDLF claimed responsibility.[138] Indian intelligence agency (RAW) involvement is speculated.[138]
K. Pathmanabha
(alias Ranjan)
General Secretary, EPRLF19 June 1990Kodambakam, Madras, TN, IndiaGrenade and gun attackLTTE is blamed.[21][27]
G. Mahendraraja
(alias Mahattaya)
LTTE8 December 1994ShotLTTE.[139]
Muthulingam Ganeshkumar
(alias Razeek)
Leader, Razeek Group29 May 1999BatticaloaShotLTTE is blamed by the government.[46]
P. Ganeshmoorthy
(alias Razeek)
Military Leader, EPRLFEravur, Batticaloa DistrictBombLTTE is blamed.[140][141]
Tharmalingam Thevarasa
(alias Ilango)
Military Commander, Vavuniya, PLOTE2 September 1999VavuniyaBombLTTE is blamed.[51][142]
Nagalingam Manikkam Rajan (Manickathasan)
(alias Thasan)
Deputy Leader & Military Wing Commander, PLOTE
Lt. Col. Gangai AmaranDeputy Leader, Sea Tigers, LTTE2001Akkaraayan Kulam, Kilinochchi DistrictClaymore attackSri Lankan Army's LRRP.[143][144]
T. Kuhasanthan
(alias Lt. Col. Nizam)
Military Intelligence Wing leader for the East, LTTE2001Sri Lankan Army's LRRP is blamed.[143]
Major ManoHead of Eastern Communication, LTTE2001BatticaloaClaymore attackSri Lankan Army's LRRP.[143][145]
V. Sornalingam
(alias Colonel Shankar)
Second in command, LTTE26 September 2001Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu DistrictClaymore attackSri Lankan Army's LRRP.[143][146]
Kandiah Subathiran Thambirajah
(alias Robert)
Jaffna District leader, EPRLF (Varathar wing)14 June 2003JaffnaShotLTTE is blamed.[147]
Kandaiah Yogarajah
(alias PLOTE Mohan)
Senior member, PLOTE31 July 2004ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[148][149]
P. Rajaratnam
(alias Mano Master)
General Secretary, ENDLF21 November 2004?Colombo?LTTE is blamed by ENDLF.[150]
Sonnyboy Occersz
(alias Rangappa)
Senior member, ENDLF25 November 2004Dematagoda, ColomboShotLTTE is blamed.[151]
E. KousalyanPolitical wing regional leader, LTTE7 February 2005Batticaloa DistrictAmbushTMVP/Karuna is blamed.[21][32] Tamil National Force, a TMVP/ENDLF front, claimed responsibility.
Sivaguru Navaratnarajah
(alias Kanthy)
Leader, EPRLF (Razeek Group)14 September 2005BatticaloaGrenade attackLTTE is blamed.[152][153]
K. Ulaganathan
(alias Colonel Ramanan)
Military leader, Batticaloa District, LTTE21 May 2006Vavunathiv, Batticaloa DistrictSniperSri Lankan Army/TMVP.[154][155]
S. P. ThamilselvanPolitical leader, LTTE2 November 2007Kilinochchi DistrictAir strikeSri Lankan Air Force[156]
S. Ravishankar
(alias Colonel Charles)
Head of Military Intelligence, LTTE6 January 2008Pallamadu, Mannar DistrictRoadside bombingSri Lankan Army's LRRP.[157]
S. Sivashankar
(alias Pottu Amman)
Head of Tiger organisation Security Intelligence Service (TOSIS), LTTE18 May 2009Mullaitivu DistrictSri Lankan Army.[citation needed] Body was not found.[158]
Velupillai PrabhakaranFounder and leader, LTTE18 May 2009Nanthi Lagoon, Mullaitivu DistrictGunfire53 Division, Sri Lankan Army.[159]
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Others

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Chasy KrishnamoorthyWriter; film critic[160]
Sathasivam BaskaranDistributor for the Tamil newspaper Uthayan from Jaffna, Sri Lanka15 August 2006Puttur junction near AchchuveliShot
Maheswary VelauthamLawyer; human rights activist13 May 2008Navindil, Jaffna DistrictShotLTTE is blamed.[161]
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Attempted assassinations

Heads of state and government

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Chandrika KumaratungaPresident of Sri Lanka18 December 1999Town Hall, ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[162][163][164]
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Ministers

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Douglas DevanandaMinisterMultiple timesMultiple locationsLTTE is blamed for most attempts.[165]
Nimal Siripala de SilvaMinister of Housing4 July 1996Jaffna, Jaffna DistrictSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[166]
General Anuruddha RatwatteMinister of Energy and Deputy Defence Minister6 December 1998Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu DistrictMortar attackLTTE is blamed[167]
Maithripala SirisenaMinister of Agricultural Development & Agrarian Services8 October 2008Piliyandala, Colombo DistrictSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[168]
Mahinda Yapa AbeywardenaMinister of Cultural Affairs11 March 2009Akuressa, Matara DistrictSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[168]
Ali AmeerNon-Cabinet Minister of Disaster Relief Services
Pandu BandaranaikeNon-Cabinet Minister of Religious Affairs
A. H. M. FowzieMinister of Petroleum & Petroleum Resources Development
Chandrasiri GajadeeraNon-Cabinet Minister of Home Affairs
Mahinda WijesekaraMinister of Special Projects
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Public officials

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Gotabaya RajapaksaSecretary, Ministry of Defence1 December 2006Kollupitiya, Colombo DistrictSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[169]
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Military officers

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Lt. General Sarath FonsekaCommander of the Army25 April 2006Army Headquarters, ColomboSuicide bombingLTTE is blamed.[170][171]
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Diplomats

More information Victim, Position ...
VictimPositionDateLocationMethodPerpetrator(s)
Colonel Bashir Wali MohammedPakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka14 August 2006Kollupitiya, ColomboBombingLTTE is blamed by the government.[172] Bashir Wali Mohammed has blamed the Research and Analysis Wing, the Indian intelligence agency, for the attack.[172]
Robert O. Blake, Jr.United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the MaldivesFebruary 2007SLAF Batticaloa, BatticaloaMortar attackLTTE is blamed but they denied targeting Blake and Mariani.[173]
Pio MarianiItalian Ambassador to Sri Lanka
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See also

References

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