The much awaited annual “Hero’s Day” speech of the LTTE chief Prabhakaran was delivered on 27 November 2003. The speech forms a significant document in outlining the Tigers’ views on important issues. This year’s dominating theme was the constitutional crisis arising out of the November 4 moves of President Chandrika Kumaratunga and its implications on the peace process.

“President’s Take-over”

To Prabhakaran, “President’s take-over of the Ministries of Defence, Interior and Media… has resulted in the de-stabilization of the state and the peace process has come to a standstill.” The temporary withdrawal of Norway from its faciliatory role was also effected by the political deadlock in the south. On the whole, “Tamil speaking people and the international governments are disappointed…” According to the LTTE chief, the two reasons put forward by Chandrika for her interventionâ€â€