Colonel Theepan

Velayuthapillai Baheerathakumar ( Vēlāyutapiḷḷai Pakīratakumār; 8 January 1966 – 4 April 2009; commonly known by the nom de guerre Theepan) was a leading member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist Tamil militant organisation in Sri Lanka. He played a leading role in the LTTE's military victories in the Vanni during Eelam War III, including Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi (1998), Oddusuddan (1999) and Elephant Pass (2000). He was killed at the Battle of Ananthapuram in the last days of the Sri Lankan Civil War. Theepan is considered to be one of the finest field commanders of the LTTE, and widely seen as a close second to Brigadier Balraj.

Early life and family Baheerathakumar was born on 8 January 1966. He was from Vaddakkachchi in Kandavalai, Kilinochchi District. His family were originally from Varani in Jaffna District. He was educated at Chavakachcheri Hindu College. His three elder brothers live in Canada. His younger brother Sivakumar (nom de guerre Kilman), who was in command of the Charles Anthony division in Trincomalee District, was killed in an accident in 1994. The military launched Operation Agni Kheela (Ball of Fire) to re-capture the southern part of the Jaffna peninsula, particularly Elephant Pass. The operation was disaster for the military - it suffered heavy casualties and Theepan was responsible for this. Amongst those who had talks with Theepan were Defence Secretary Austin Fernando, Major General Sarath Fonseka, Major General Shantha Kottegoda, Major General Devinda Kalupahana (ret'd) and Major Shavendra Silva. Hostilities between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan military resumed in 2006. Under Theepan's command, Muhamalai became the bloodiest theatre of the war for the Sri Lankan armed forces. Theepan was reportedly injured in fighting in August 2006. He was also reportedly injured in an air raid on Kilinochchi in January 2008. Theepan became the de facto deputy military commander of the LTTE following the death Balraj in May 2008. Theepan's elder sister and other family members surrendered to the military. Colonel Theepan is believed to have been promoted to Brigadier posthumously.