A memorial event celebrates the life and legacy of the veteran singer whose music became intertwined with the Tamil liberation struggle
A memorial and tribute event honouring late Tamil nationalist singer and cultural figure Theanisai Sellappa was held on Saturday in Batticaloa, commemorating a man whose songs became deeply associated with the Tamil liberation struggle and the political aspirations of the Tamil nation.
The event, organised by the Homeland Task Force, took place at the Batticaloa Hindu Youth Association hall following the death of the veteran singer, who passed away last month at the age of 85.
Theanisai Sellappa, also known as “Pasarai Panar”, was widely regarded as one of the defining voices of Tamil nationalist music, with his songs resonating across generations of Eelam Tamils throughout the armed conflict and beyond.
Saturday’s commemoration was held under the leadership of Homeland Task Force coordinator Selvakumar and attended by political representatives, civil activists and members of Tamil nationalist organisations.
Among those present were Batticaloa District ITAK MP Dr. E. Srinath, former parliamentarian P. Ariyanethiran, Democratic Fighters Party deputy leader N. Nakules, Manmunai Pradeshiya Sabha chairman T. Gopalapillai, EravurPattu Pradeshiya Sabha member Prabhakaran, and civil activists including S. Sivayoganathan and Rajani.
During the event, senior member P. Chinnathurai garlanded a portrait of Theanisai Sellappa, after which attendees lit memorial lamps and paid floral tributes in his remembrance.
Speakers reflected on Sellappa’s immense contribution to Tamil nationalist music and the Tamil Eelam liberation struggle, noting that his songs and voice had inspired generations during some of the darkest periods of the armed conflict.
Throughout the struggle, Theanisai Sellappa’s music occupied a unique place within Tamil political and cultural life. His songs, often centred on themes of sacrifice, homeland and resistance, became closely tied to collective Tamil memory and the aspirations of the Tamil nation.
Several speakers at the memorial also urged younger generations to recognise and uphold the sacrifices and commitments made by cultural figures such as Sellappa within the Tamil national movement.
The event in Batticaloa formed part of a broader outpouring of remembrance across the Tamil homeland and diaspora following Sellappa’s death, with many recalling the role his music played in sustaining morale, preserving identity and articulating the political consciousness of Eelam Tamils during decades of struggle.