Rules guide on use of Tamileelam National flag
[TamilNet, November 26, 2005 ]
The Tiger symbol of
Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) created in 1977, was designated
as the National Flag of Tamileelam in 1990 differentiating it from the
LTTE's emblem by leaving out the letters inscribing the movement's name.
LTTE Saturday released an updated version of the guide providing
instructions and explaining the correct usage of the Tamileelam National
Flag. The guide written in Tamil specifies the regulations for flying alone
or with national flags of other countries, and for general handling of the
flag. The National Flag has four colors, yellow, red, black, and white.
Tiger emblem in the flag has undergone a revival towards its
original form when it was created and an updated guide was issued, informed
sources from Kilinochchi said.
Although "white" was part of original [1977] Tiger emblem, some intermediate
printings dropped this color from the flag. White was again made permanent
part of the emblem in the new version of the National flag.
LTTE leader Pirapaharan selected Tiger as the Tamileelam national insignia
to present an image
rooted in Dravidian civilization symbolizing
martial valour and the uniqueness of
Tamil language
and culture.
"The Tiger symbol illustrated the
martial history
(veera varalaru) and national upheaval of the Tamils. Our national flag is
the symbol of the independent state of Tamileelam to be created, rooted in
the martial traditions (veera marapuhal) of the Tamils,� LTTE organ
Viduthalai Puligal said in its February 1991 issue.
Four aspects of ideals and mission of Tamileelam represented by the four
colors are detailed in the published guide book.
Yellow signifies that Tamils' aspiration to freely govern themselves in
their own homeland is a fundamental political and human right. The color
expresses the
righteousness of Tamil struggle and reinforces Tamil Nation's will to
uphold moral highground during its path towards freedom.
Red represents the realization that freedom is not complete by establishment
of a separate state of Tamileelam. We should abolish distinctions of
caste and class.
Eagalitarianism should become our spiritual principle.
Gender equality
should permeate Tamil society. The revolutionary changes necessary to spread
social justice represented by these principles are reflected by this color.
Black reminds that march towards freedom is wrought with dangers, death and
destruction. That it's filled with pain and misery. Black signifies
determination and resoluteness vital to withstand the adversities and build
the new nation of Tamileelam to provide security and to defend the borders.
White demands purity, honesty and selflessness from the leaders and citizens
of Tamileelam."
An example figure provided in the guide...
