Balraj was the fifth and youngest child of Kandiah and Kannagias.
15 Facts About Balraj
1.
2.
Balraj received his primary education in Kokkuthoduwaai and his secondary education in Pulmoddai.
3.
Balraj decided to switch allegiance when the 1983 riots began, contacting a teacher who was an LTTE recruiter and accepted Balraj despite his PLOTE background.
4.
Balraj was initially a part-time member, becoming a full-time member by 1984.
5.
Balraj's ability was recognized by Mahattaya, although he was suspected by Velupillai Prabhakaran due to his PLOTE background and restricted to the role of a helper rather than a fighter.
6.
Balraj commanded the LTTE's first conventional fighting formation, the Charles Anthony Brigade, which distinguished itself during the Second Battle of Elephant Pass in which Balraj landed by sea on the Jaffna peninsula.
7.
Balraj preferred to fight on the front line amidst heavy shelling and bombing, rather than within the confines of a command centre.
8.
Balraj was aware in 2008 that the Sri Lankan Army was breaking through the LTTE's defences and would soon capture Kilinochchi, referring to it as the final battle for Eelam.
9.
When Balraj's health began to deteriorate, he gave lectures and instructions to LTTE recruits.
10.
Balraj taught military strategy, planning and tactics, providing specialised training for LTTE commandos and special forces.
11.
Balraj interacted with the Tamil people in Sri Lanka as he moved through it, becoming one of the most popular members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam because of his simplicity and accessibility.
12.
Balraj did not participate in politics, and acknowledged Velupillai Prabhakaran as the leader of the LTTE and Tamil Eelam.
13.
Balraj was injured before he received military training in Tamil Nadu, and was wounded three times in confrontations with the Indian Army.
14.
Balraj was frequently wounded in battle against the Sri Lankan Army, and had heart problems; he was hospitalised for two weeks for heart surgery in Singapore during the 2003 ceasefire.
15.
Balraj was promoted posthumously to Brigadier because he had been responsible for many LTTE victories on the battlefield against the Sri Lankan Army.