Cold War
The new international relations head was in practice was an euphemism for global Tiger chief. At least that was how KP interpreted it. But Castro who was in charge of administering overseas Tiger branches was not willing to relinquish control. He instructed overseas branch officials not to co-operate with KP.
This led to a “cold war” in the Diaspora between KP and Castro loyalists. It did not receive adequate attention by Prabhakaran as the beleaguered Tigers were in a last ditch stand in the Karaithuraipatru AGA division of Mulaithivu district. So, KP found himself stymied by Castro.
KP himself was deeply involved in moves to bring about international pressure on Colombo and enforce a cessation of hostilities. He also attempted to bring about an arrangement with international backing through which Prabhakaran and several senior Tigers could flee abroad with their families.Prabhakaran refused to comply until the last. When the LTTE supremo changed his mind it was too late.
Meanwhile KP’s quiet diplomacy in mobilizing international support to bring about a respite in Sri Lanka was seriously hampered by Castro and his minions.
KP had asked overseas Tigers and supporters to stage demonstrations in western cities urging humanitarian intervention in Sri Lanka. The pathetic plight of the civilians was highlighted. This was to bolster his efforts to influence western governments.
In a puerile attempt to outshine KP his rival Castro ordered the Diaspora Tamils to demonstrate in support of the LTTE and Velupillai Prabhakaran. Diaspora Tamils began carrying placards supporting LTTE and portraits of Prabhakaran. Western governments and media were shocked. The Diaspora Tigers shot themselves not in the foot but the head.
Contact between the Wanni and Tigers abroad was under strain as the war escalated. So Castro appointed an international representative on his behalf. This person was to be in overall charge of the LTTE overseas branches.
Nediyavan
Castro’s nominee was a 33-year-old named Perinpanayagam Sivaparan. He bore the nom de guerre “Nediyavan” meaning Tall man. Nediyavan had joined the LTTE when he was 18. He was sent to Russia for higher education by the LTTE but apparently, Sivaparan did not complete his degree there.
Nediyavan functioned in the LTTE’s political wing and accompanied SP Thamilselvan for the fourth round of peace talks in Thailand. Thereafter he re-located to Europe.
The LTTE during the peace talks period from 2002 – 2005 had sent a number of operatives abroad. Most of these cadres were from the political and intelligence wings. Nediyavan took up residence in Norway .
Sivaparan alias Nediyavan married Sivagowri Shanthamohan. Her father ‘s brother was Gnanendramohan alias Ranjan Lala. Gnanendramohan was one of the pioneering members of the LTTE and a trusted confidante of Prabhakaran. Ranjan Lala was shot in Jaffna by the Army when riding a motor cycle.
This matrimonial alliance strengthened Nediyavan’s clout within the LTTE. With Castro’s authority he spearheaded resistance to KP taking over as global Tiger chief. The cold war erupted openly abroad after the LTTE’s military debacle. Castro himself committed suicide in Mullivaaikkaal.