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Home> Struggle for Tamil Eelam > Tamil Eelam - a De Facto State > Tamil Eelam National Flag
Tamil Eelam - a De Facto State
Tamil Eelam National Flag
[Viduthalai Pulikal (March 1991): Tamileelam National Flag (in Tamil);
"Tiger flag is Tamil nation’s flag" – Mannar Bishop &
Detailed Prescribed Code for Usage of Tamil Eelam National Flag]
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 velour and the uniqueness of Tamil language and culture.
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| Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE) Logo | Tamileelam National Flag |
"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
