The Sri Lankan military reports the death of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, his intelligence chief ‘Pottu Amman’, and ‘Soosai’, the head of the Tiger’ naval wing.
Timeline of events under "Tamil nationalism" issue
LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran delivers his annual ‘Heroes' Day’ speech. The LTTE claims later that air strikes by the Sri Lankan military hit its 'Voice of Tigers' radio station, shortly before speech.
Anton Balasingham, chief negotiator for the LTTE, dies of cancer in London.
Kethesh Loganathan, Deputy Secretary to the government’s Peace Secretariat, is assassinated at his home. The LTTE is blamed for the killing.
LTTE leader Prabhakaran in his 'Heroes’ Day' speech warns that without new concessions the Tigers will "intensify their struggle".
Prabhakaran, in his annual 'Heroes’ Day' speech, states that their proposal for an interim administrative authority must be accepted before talks. If the LTTE's "appeal" is rejected, the LTTE would have no alternative other than to advance its freedom struggle.
At his first press conference in 12 years, Velupillai Prabhakaran, leader of the Tamil Tigers, reiterates his organisation's core principles.
The first attempt at peace talks between the government of Sri Lanka and various Tamil groups: the 'Thimpu talks' are initiated by the Indian government. The government lifts the eight month long night curfew in the Northern Province.
LTTE, EROS, EPRLF and TELO together form the Eelam National Liberation Front (ENLF).
General elections return UNP, led by J.R. Jayewardene, to power. The TULF party wins all seats in Tamil dominated areas.
The Vaddukodai Resolution is adopted at the first National Convention of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF): the pledge to establish a sovereign state of Tamil Eelam is made.
The Tamil Youth League is formed, strongly influenced by militant ideas and individuals.
Opposition United National Party, headed by Dudley Senanayake, forms a coalition government including the major Tamil party the Federal Party, in the absence of a clear majority.
The Federal Party re-launches its civil disobedience campaign, paralysing government administration in the North and East. Federal Party inaugurates Tamil Arasu (Government) Postal Service in Jaffna.
