Interview Given in 1991 by Mr. S. Pottu Amman, Head of the Intelligence Division of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Interview Given in 1991 by Mr. S. Pottu Amman, Head of the Intelligence Division of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Birthday Tribute
Warm birthday wishes to Mr. S. Pottu Amman, the Head of the Intelligence Division of the LTTE, on his birth anniversary. 28.11.1962
Historical Context and Reflections
Mr. S. Pottu Amman, one of the senior commanders of the LTTE and head of its Intelligence Division, led the military operation at Aanaiyiravu base that lasted 31 days. In an interview given in 1991 to the “Viduthalai Pulikal” publication, he responded to a comparison made by a military officer between this battle and the Gulf War.
Was this comparison appropriate?
I do not understand what basis the officer used for such a comparison. If it was based on geography, then to some extent, it holds. The battlefield here was largely open terrain and sandy plains, with only sparse vegetation. But if the comparison is based on troop numbers and weaponry, then our ratio against the Sri Lankan forces was even lower than Iraq’s against the coalition in the Gulf War. Yet, in terms of outcomes, the comparison is entirely opposite—while Iraq surrendered in disgrace, Tamil Eelam rose in pride and awaits with renewed combat experience.
What lessons did you learn from this battle?
The lessons are vast and would take volumes to explain. In brief, we learned that our training programs need reforms, especially to support large-scale and prolonged battles. We gained experience in logistics, medical care, and troop rotation during extended engagements. Although we could say much more, our ongoing warfare restricts what can be publicly shared. However, one thing is certain: no matter how powerful the opposing force, facing our fighters directly remains a formidable challenge.
Is it fair to say there are two armies in Sri Lanka, as some global media claim?
This is not a statement from the battlefield but a conclusion based on observed damages and difficulties faced by the Sri Lankan military. The Aanaiyiravu siege was expected, and a counter-plan had been devised. But when the resistance and losses exceeded expectations, assessments began comparing our force to a conventional army. These comparisons often use traditional military strength metrics, but our forces fight with unmatched courage and skill, using their own bodies as armor to stop conventional military movements.
If “military strength” is the benchmark, then yes—we qualify as a second army. But in terms of conventional metrics like troop and weapon counts, we are not there yet. If we do reach that point, it will mark a major turning point in our liberation struggle.
What political impact would transforming the LTTE into a conventional army have?
We’ve demonstrated our ability to wage war like a regular army. If the Sri Lankan state recognizes this and seeks a solution based on the Tamil people’s right to self-determination, that would be wise. If they continue to escalate militarily to suppress us, it will backfire. The burden—military and economic—will eventually become unbearable, leading to outcomes beyond their control. History will be shaped by these forces. Our military strength is what drives political change. Therefore, the Tamil Eelam National Army is the very foundation of Tamil Eelam’s liberation.
Do you want to say something about the great sacrifices made in this battle?
As I mentioned earlier, our fighters used their bodies as shields. They advanced unarmed to rescue wounded comrades and continued firing their weapons amidst rain of bullets. When enemy armored vehicles breached our positions, comrades stood firm, sacrificing themselves to give time for regrouping. One commander, critically wounded with a lung injury, continued organizing his troops until he was forcibly evacuated. In another instance, a fighter named “Eelavan” vanished into the enemy ranks, determined not to let them advance.
Tamil Eelam’s liberation struggle has entered a new chapter. This history is not written by weapons alone—it is etched by the courage, sacrifice, and lifeblood of our fighters. Tomorrow’s history of Tamil Eelam will remember those who gave not just their bodies, but their very selves.
Published by: Viduthalai Pulikal (Liberation Tigers Publication)
Translated by Purvaja
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