Captain Morris (M.O)

Paratharajan Thiyagarajah (12 September 1969 – 1 May 1989; Tamil: பரதராஜன் தியாகராஜா),^[2] known by his nom de guerre Captain Morris (M.O. - MINES OPERATER),^[3][4] was a Tamil militant and regional commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).^[5] He was active in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Point Pedro (Paruthithurai) region, where he held significant responsibilities during the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Captain Morris (M.O)
கப்டன் மொறிஸ்
Born	Paratharajan Thiyagarajah 12 September 1969
Died	1 May 1989(1989-05-01) (aged 19) Point Pedro
Nationality	Sri Lankan
Other names	MO
Years active	1984–1989
Organization	Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Relatives	Captain Mayuran (Saba) (brother)[1]
Military service
Allegiance	Tamil Eelam
Branch	Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Commands	LTTE's commander for Point Pedro District
Battles / wars	Sri Lankan Civil War Eelam War I, between 1985 and 1987 Indian intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War, between 1987 and 1990

Early life and education

Paratharajan Thiagarajah was born on September 12, 1969, in Arthiyadi, Puloly West, Point Pedro, in the Jaffna District of Sri Lanka. He was the son of M. S. Thiyagarajah & Sivagamasunthary.^[6] His father was a Station Master (SM) working Ceylon government Railway.^[7] Details about his early education remain limited, but he became involved in militant activities at a young age.

Involvement with the LTTE

Captain Morris joined the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1984, at the age of 15. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and leadership skills. Within a few years, he was appointed as the LTTE's regional commander for Point Pedro, a strategically important coastal town.

Captain Morris was an early mentor to Colonel Charles, who later became the head of the LTTE intelligence unit. The two worked closely together, particularly during the battles against the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in the late 1980s.^[8][9]

Responsibilities

Captain Morris was a regional commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the Sri Lankan Civil War.^[10][11] He played a role in the organization’s military and administrative activities in LTTE-controlled areas, particularly in Point Pedro, a strategically significant town in northern Sri Lanka.^[12]

Death

On May 1, 1989, Captain Morris was killed in combat during an engagement with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Point Pedro.^[13][14] His death was marked as a significant loss for the LTTE, as he was regarded as an influential leader in the movement.^[15][16]

Further reading

• Sri Lankan civil war
• Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
• Indian Peace Keeping Force

External links

• Charles (Tamil militant)
• Vanni pays homage to Col. Charles 06.01.2008 Tamilnet
• Sundaytimes 13.01.2008
• LTTE’s military intelligence chief mourned - Tamil Guardian
• Col. Charles was stationed in the Vadamaratchy east sector under the leadership of Capt. Morris.
• மாவீரர் மகுடம் கப்டன் மொறிஸ் - 01.05.2021 Voice of Tigers