Foreign Governments must confront the LTTE Threat: A call to Protect National Security and uphold Global Counterterrorism Standards

If there is a war against terrorism and extremism, there can be no room for double standards. Yet, some foreign governments continue to permit the display and glorification of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its associated symbols, despite the group’s designation as a banned terrorist organization in many countries. This dangerous hypocrisy not only undermines national security but also jeopardizes the safety of their citizens and the integrity of immigration and welfare systems. It is imperative that foreign governments recognize the threat posed by LTTE-linked activities and take decisive action to eliminate this danger, ensuring their policies align with their commitment to global peace and security. Any group holding flags, insignia, or chanting slogans of banned terrorist organizations on foreign soil — no matter the theme or cause of their demonstration — is promoting a terrorist movement. Full stop.

 

Governments that do not allow Al-Qaeda flags under the guise of protest cannot allow LTTE terror insignia either. If Governments wouldn’t permit ISIS supporters to build monuments to its leaders – why allow banned LTTE?. Why is the LTTE — a group responsible for suicide bombings, assassinations, child soldiers, and decades of ethnic cleansing — being given space to organize rallies, raise flags, and lobby foreign parliaments as well as erect monuments & influence school curriculums? Terrorism cannot be disguised. If a group is banned as a terrorist entity, then its glorification in any form must be banned too.

 

1. LTTE as a Global Security Threat

 

The LTTE, responsible for numerous acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings and assassinations, child soldier recruitment, continues to pose a significant threat beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Why should foreign governments encourage banned entities to claim a separate state? This is an affront to diplomatic relations. Despite being banned in countries like Canada, US, UK, India, and the European Union, remnants of the LTTE persist, engaging in fundraising, propaganda, and recruitment activities within diaspora communities. These groups exploit legal loopholes and cultural narratives to perpetuate their agenda, undermining national security in host countries. The normalization of LTTE symbols and activities sends a dangerous message to other terrorist organizations, implying that such behavior is tolerated. Governments must recognize that allowing these groups to operate freely is a betrayal of their citizens and a moral failure on the global stage.

 

By continuing to allow LTTE-affiliated groups to operate freely, foreign governments are ignoring a critical threat: the radicalization of new generations, both within the Tamil diaspora and beyond. Many hardcore LTTE operatives have fled Sri Lanka under new identities and are now embedded in diaspora networks — and they haven’t abandoned their ideology.

 

The global rise of far-right and Islamist extremism has already shown how quickly violence can spread when radical ideas are left unchecked. The LTTE, though quieter in form, operates no differently. These former terrorists can easily be absorbed into or aligned with other extremist networks — making them a silent but potent threat to national security.

 

Let’s not forget: the LTTE assassinated former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on Indian soil, in collaboration with Indian conspirators. They are only “peaceful” as long as they are given freedom to chant their lies. The moment foreign governments begin to rethink policy or restrict their influence, the potential for violent resurgence should not be underestimated.

 

2. Exploitation of Asylum and Welfare Systems

 

LTTE-affiliated individuals and organizations often exploit asylum laws, social benefits, and public services to fund terrorism, organize criminal activities, and radicalize youth. This abuse of immigration and welfare systems not only drains public resources but also undermines the principles of asylum and refugee protection. By permitting these groups to operate under the guise of cultural preservation or human rights advocacy, foreign governments are complicit in the misuse of their legal frameworks. It is crucial that governments hold these organizations accountable and prevent the exploitation of their systems.

Are these governments aware that people are being trained how to win the immigration officers sympathy. Tamils pay to be bruised & burnt with cigarette butts to falsely claim being tortured by the Sri Lankan Army. Shouldn’t these centres be investigated.

 

3. National Security Consequences and Law Enforcement

 

The stance a country takes on global terrorism—whether through tacit acceptance of groups like the LTTE or outright support for counterterrorism efforts—sends a signal to the international community. As terrorist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and others continue to be global pariahs, any government that tolerates the glorification of the LTTE risks undermining its own credibility on the world stage.

 

Governments that continue to allow these activities are failing in their duty to protect their citizens. The rise of knife gangs in the UK, the criminal networks in France, and the manipulation of welfare systems are just the tip of the iceberg. If LTTE-linked groups are allowed to continue this activity unchecked, it could embolden other radical groups to do the same. This is not just an issue of domestic policy; it has global ramifications.

 

The presence of LTTE-linked groups and their ability to organize freely in foreign countries emboldens other extremist organizations and undermines national security. These groups engage in activities such as fundraising, recruitment, and propaganda, often under the radar of law enforcement agencies. The rise of radicalization within diaspora communities and the manipulation of legal systems to further terrorist agendas pose significant challenges to law enforcement. Governments must strengthen their intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation to dismantle LTTE networks operating abroad.

 

4. The Moral Imperative: True Protection for Victims, Not Terrorists

 

The true victims of LTTE terrorism include not only Tamil civilians but also Sinhalese and Muslim communities who suffered from the group’s brutal tactics over 30 years. By allowing the glorification of LTTE symbols and activities, foreign governments implicitly endorse the group’s ideology and violent methods, sidelining the genuine concerns of all communities affected by their actions. This is a human rights issue. Foreign governments must recognize that supporting or tolerating groups that have terrorized and oppressed their own people is not just a policy mistake—it’s a betrayal of the very people they claim to protect.

 

5. A Call for Accountability and Global Solidarity

 

The time for soft responses is over. If foreign governments wish to be seen as legitimate leaders in the global fight against terrorism and extremism, they must apply the same standards to the LTTE as they do to any other terrorist group. There can be no room for double standards when it comes to terrorism. Governments must act decisively to:

 

• Enforce bans on LTTE symbols and activities within their borders.
• Invest in intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation to track and dismantle LTTE networks operating abroad.
• Hold accountable those political leaders and individuals who facilitate or fund these terrorist groups through lobbying, financial support, or otherwise.
• Investigate politicians on the payroll of these terrorists, especially those who are key spokespeople for LTTE lobbies.
• Ensure the integrity of immigration systems, preventing the exploitation of asylum processes by those linked to terrorism.

 

Have Foreign Govts asked themselves – Why Iis the LTTE Diaspora still protesting when Tamils in Sri Lanka are not?

If Tamils in Sri Lanka are rebuilding their lives in peace, and the diaspora left for better opportunities, why are LTTE-linked groups still pushing a narrative of genocide and oppression?

 

The answer lies in self-interest:

 

• Political Gain: Many diaspora activists use the Sri Lankan Tamil issue to gain political leverage and remain relevant in their adopted countries.
• Asylum Justification: Claims of genocide are often tied to their refugee or asylum status — admitting the truth could undermine those claims.
• False Representation: The LTTE diaspora does not represent all Tamils. In fact, they hijack Tamil identity to push extremist views most Tamils reject.
• Tamils living in Sri Lanka today are not waving LTTE flags or demanding separation (only those hired by the LTTE diaspora are) — they want peace and development. It’s time the world & foreign governments stopped listening to those who profit from prolonging division, and instead, heard the voices of Tamils who actually live in Sri Lanka.

 

This is not just about one country’s policies. This is a matter of global security and human rights and the safety of its own citizens on their soil. Governments must stop equivocating and take a stand—terrorism is terrorism, no matter where it comes from or who promotes it. The world is watching, and it is time to act decisively.

 

 

Shenali D Waduge