| 1. Vallipuram Vasanthan was a member of the LTTE, a Tamil militant group in Sri Lanka. |
| 2. He was the first Black Tiger, known for suicide attacks within the LTTE. |
| 3. Growing up amid Tamil-Sinhalese tensions, he witnessed conflicts escalating post-Sri Lankan independence in 1948. |
| 4. In 1977, clashes erupted near his home due to anti-Tamil sentiments in Sinhalese areas. |
| 5. Violence peaked on July 23, 1983, leading to hundreds of deaths and mass displacement in Colombo. |
| 6. In 1984, Vasanthan joined the Tigers and led guerrilla attacks against the military. |
| 7. Reports of his attack replicating Lebanon incidents were denied by a Tiger official. |
| 8. He kept his mission secret from his mother before sacrificing himself in a 1987 attack. |
| 9. The Nelliady attack left 18 soldiers dead and a lasting impact in military history. |
| 10. His martyrdom made him a symbol of respect and a face of the Black Tigers. |
| 11. A shrine in his honor was built and maintained despite military attempts to destroy it. |
| 12. 'Black Tiger Week' annually commemorates Vasanthan’s legacy and sacrifice. |
| 13. His mother earned widespread respect and recognition due to his heroism. |
| 14. 'Black Tiger Day' is a day of remembrance and tribute to all Black Tiger cadres. |
| 15. In 2024, a film named 'Captain Miller' was released, showcasing his life story. |
