NEW : Prabhakaran founded the rebel group , which has been declared a terrorist organization by 32 countries . Sri Lankan President Mahinda Fernando declares victory in civil war . Tamil leader Velupillai is still alive , rebel Web site claims . Sri Lankan government claims Prabhakaran is dead . Rebels have called for an independent state for minority Tamils since 1983 .
NEW : Sri Lankan President Mahinda Fernando declares victory in civil war . Tamil leader Velupillai is still alive , rebel Web site claims . Sri Lankan government claims Prabhakaran is dead . Rebels have called for an independent state for minority Tamils since 1983 .