Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Douglas Devananda: Surviving LTTE Assassination Attempts
Douglas Devananda is a former minister and MP from Sri Lanka who has survived many attempts on his life by the LTTE, a militant group.
He has worked to help former LTTE members and has been a strong opponent of the group.
Recently, he has been jailed because a gun was found with a criminal, which was allegedly given to his political party to protect against LTTE threats.
Many people find it hard to believe that he would be connected to the underworld.
Douglas has had a long and controversial career, working with the Sri Lankan government and facing many dangers from the LTTE.
Douglas Devananda survived multiple assassination attempts by the LTTE, becoming a legend for his resilience.
He employed former LTTE cadres in his office and facilitated their release and rehabilitation after the LTTE was crushed in 2009.
Devananda was jailed over a 9 mm automatic pistol allegedly found with a Sinhalese member of the underworld, which was reportedly given to his party to meet LTTE threats.
He was a key figure in Tamil militancy, starting in the 1970s, and later sided with the Sri Lankan government against the LTTE.
Despite his controversial past and the crimes committed by some in his party, many Tamils find it hard to believe he has ties to the underworld.
- Who
- Douglas Devananda, a former minister and MP from Sri Lanka
- What
- Survived multiple assassination attempts by the LTTE and is currently jailed over a pistol allegation
- When
- The LTTE was active and during the Eelam War, with recent legal issues arising in 2019 and 2024
- Where
- Sri Lanka, primarily in Colombo and Jaffna
- Why
- Due to his opposition to the LTTE and his political activities, as well as recent allegations of weapon possession
- Name
- Douglas Devananda
- Age
- 68
- Political Party
- Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP)
- Role
- Former Minister and MP
- Notable Opponents
- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
- Current Status
- Jailed over a pistol allegation
- Key Contribution
- Facilitated release and rehabilitation of former LTTE members
- Survival Record
- Survived the maximum number of assassination attempts among Sri Lankans