Celebrations mark 20 years of suicide bombs

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Tamil Tiger rebels watched plays, heard speeches and even opened a children’s park Thursday – all to celebrate 20 years of suicide bombings in their struggle for an independent homeland.

Small celebrations were organized in many rebel-held northern parts of Sri Lanka, with music and other entertainment honoring the hundreds who have carried out the attacks, Tiger spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan said.

The children’s park was opened in Kilinochchi town in memory of the suicide bombers, called Black Tigers. Portraits of the bombers also were placed in small cottages for people to honor with garlands and other signs of respect, Ilanthirayan said.

The spokesman said the rebels avoided a mass gathering for fear of a government airstrike.

The Tamil Tigers, who have fought the government since 1983, are among the leading practitioners of suicide bombing.