-By Political Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -02.Sep.2024, 10.00 pm) Tensions are escalating within the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) party as reports emerge suggesting that prominent party member M.A. Sumanthiran has unilaterally decided to back Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election, bypassing the consensus of the party’s Central Committee. The move has sparked widespread criticism from regional members of the party, particularly those who advocate for a Tamil common candidate.
According to sources within the ITAK, the Central Committee had not granted Sumanthiran the authority to support Premadasa, with many members favoring a Tamil candidate to represent the community’s interests in the election. The party’s rank and file in the North and East regions have expressed disappointment, arguing that the decision does not reflect the will of the Tamil people, who have been vocal in their desire for a candidate who can address their specific concerns.
Sumanthiran, who hails from the Eastern Province, is believed to have personal and political differences with the proposed Tamil common candidate, leading him to endorse Premadasa instead. This endorsement has drawn criticism, as many within the Tamil community view it as a betrayal of their aspirations. They argue that despite the promises made by Premadasa and other candidates like Ranil Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, their manifestos offer little differentiation on Tamil issues, which have long been central to the community’s political agenda.
One of the primary concerns among Tamil voters is the lack of commitment from major political figures to an international mechanism for resolving the Tamil issue. Historically, Sumanthiran has fluctuated between supporting domestic and international solutions, leading some to question his sincerity and consistency on this matter. Critics accuse him of prioritizing his political career over the genuine resolution of Tamil grievances.
The backlash against Sumanthiran has intensified as the Tamil community feels sidelined by his decision. Many Tamils argue that the backing of Premadasa, who opposes international intervention in the Tamil issue, undermines their quest for justice and constitutional reforms that address their needs. This sentiment is compounded by concerns that Sumanthiran’s actions are motivated by a desire to secure a future parliamentary seat under the banner of Premadasa’s Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alliance.
The alignment of right-wing Sinhala politicians, such as G.L. Peiris, Patali Champika Ranawaka, and Dullas Alahapperuma, with Premadasa has further fueled the controversy. These figures have been associated with hardline stances on Tamil issues, and their support for Premadasa raises questions about the implications for Tamil representation and rights under a potential Premadasa administration.
As the presidential election approaches, many within the Tamil community are reassessing their options. Some are calling for support for Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), who is perceived by some as a more genuine advocate for Tamil interests. This shift highlights the deep divisions within the Tamil political landscape and the growing disillusionment with traditional party allegiances.
The coming weeks will be crucial for ITAK and its leadership as they navigate the fallout from Sumanthiran’s controversial decision. Whether the party can reconcile these differences or face a deeper split remains to be seen, but the impact on Tamil unity and political representation is already being felt.
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by (2024-09-02 16:29:18)
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