-By LeN Political Analyst
(Lanka-e-News -22.Jan.2025, 11.30 PM) Tamil identity politics in Sri Lanka is at a crossroads. Decades after the conclusion of the civil war in 2009, the Tamil political landscape has seen a significant erosion of support from its traditional voter base. With the National People's Power (NPP) securing a parliamentary majority in the recent elections, Tamil voters in the North and East are increasingly aligning with national parties, rejecting the insular, identity-focused politics of the past. The rejection of seasoned leaders like M.A. Sumanthiran signals a generational shift, and the rise of Rasamanikkam, a Batticaloa-based leader with a national vision, could reshape Tamil politics.
This article explores the crisis within Tamil identity politics, the leadership vacuum, and why voters are embracing new voices like Rasamanikkam over the entrenched, factionalized leadership of traditional Tamil parties.
For decades, Tamil political parties dominated the electoral landscape in the North and East, capitalizing on ethnic identity and the grievances of Tamil people. Leaders of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and other smaller parties leveraged their support to form coalitions with southern Sinhala-dominated parties, hoping to gain concessions for Tamil autonomy or justice for wartime atrocities.
However, these coalitions often yielded little for the Tamil people. The promises made during election campaigns—ranging from federalism to addressing land rights—largely went unfulfilled. This failure bred frustration and skepticism among Tamil voters, who began to question the efficacy of Tamil identity politics.
As these parties faltered, voters increasingly looked to national alternatives like the NPP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which campaigned on issues like economic recovery, anti-corruption, and governance reform—concerns that resonated across ethnic lines. The Tamil voter is no longer content to be pigeonholed into identity politics and is instead seeking leaders who can address the broader national issues affecting them.
One of the most glaring issues in Tamil politics is the absence of fresh, dynamic leadership. The political elites in Jaffna—the traditional hub of Tamil politics—are aging, out of touch with their electorate, and often embroiled in infighting. Figures like M.A. Sumanthiran, once seen as the intellectual voice of the TNA, now face rejection from their constituents. His defeat highlights a growing disconnect between the aspirations of the Tamil youth and the rhetoric of their leaders.
The lack of young, credible leaders emerging from traditional strongholds like Jaffna or Colombo has only deepened this crisis. Tamil youth, particularly those in urban areas or the diaspora, view traditional leaders as relics of the past who offer little in terms of tangible progress. The focus has shifted from Tamil identity to broader socioeconomic issues such as employment, education, and national unity.
Enter Rasamanikkam, a Batticaloa-based politician who has emerged as a beacon of hope for Tamil voters disillusioned with traditional parties. Unlike many of his predecessors, Rasa Manickam is not confined by the narrow lens of Tamil identity politics. Instead, he has positioned himself as a national figure who addresses issues that transcend ethnic boundaries.
Manickam’s rise is particularly significant because it represents a shift in Tamil political power from Jaffna to Batticaloa, a region often overlooked in the post-war narrative. Batticaloa’s diverse demographic composition—comprising Tamils, Muslims, and Sinhalese—has enabled Manikkam to adopt a more inclusive political approach. His ability to balance Tamil concerns with broader national issues has won him support not just in the East but across Sri Lanka.
Key to his appeal is his willingness to challenge entrenched power structures. In parliament, Manikkam has been an outspoken critic of corruption, exposing figures like Pillaiyan and Karuna, whose ties to military intelligence and alleged criminal activities during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa era have long haunted Tamil politics. His fearless advocacy for justice and transparency has made him a target of threats and intimidation, but it has also cemented his reputation as a principled leader.
Another factor complicating Tamil politics is the disconnect between the Tamil diaspora and the realities faced by Tamil communities in Sri Lanka. For years, diaspora leaders have advocated for international resolutions to address Tamil grievances, often pressuring Tamil politicians to reject domestic mechanisms for justice and reconciliation.
However, this approach has increasingly alienated local Tamil voters, who are more concerned with immediate, everyday issues like economic hardship, land disputes, and education. Rasamanikkam’s pragmatic stance—acknowledging the importance of international advocacy while focusing on domestic solutions—has resonated with these voters.
Unlike traditional Tamil politicians who often play to different audiences—one message for the diaspora, another for domestic constituents—Manikkam has maintained a consistent, honest approach. This authenticity has further endeared him to voters who are tired of the duplicity that has characterized Tamil politics for decades.
The internal divisions within Tamil political parties have also contributed to their decline. The once-dominant Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is now a shadow of its former self, plagued by infighting and ideological splits. Competing factions have weakened the party’s ability to present a united front, further eroding voter confidence.
Meanwhile, smaller parties led by figures like Pillaiyan and Karuna have only deepened the fragmentation of Tamil politics. These leaders, often accused of prioritizing personal power over community welfare, have failed to inspire the trust or loyalty of the electorate.
The rise of figures like Rasamanikkam offers a stark contrast to this dysfunction. His focus on transparency, accountability, and a broader national vision has set him apart from his contemporaries, positioning him as a unifying force in a fractured political landscape.
The recent elections, which saw the NPP secure a majority in parliament, underscore a broader trend: Tamil voters are moving away from identity politics and embracing national parties. This shift is not just a rejection of traditional Tamil leaders but also a recognition of the interconnectedness of Sri Lanka’s challenges.
By voting for parties like the NPP and SJB, Tamil voters are signaling their desire for leaders who can address issues like economic recovery, governance reform, and national reconciliation—issues that impact all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity.
This shift also represents an opportunity for Tamil politicians to reimagine their role in the national discourse. Leaders like Rasamanikkam, who can navigate both Tamil and national concerns, are well-positioned to lead this transformation.
The crisis in Tamil identity politics is as much a reflection of its past failures as it is an opportunity for reinvention. The rejection of traditional leaders like Sumanthiran and the rise of figures like Rasamanikkam signal a turning point in Tamil politics—a move away from the insularity of identity politics toward a more inclusive, issue-focused approach.
For Tamil voters, the message is clear: they are no longer content with promises of autonomy and grievance-based rhetoric. They want leaders who can deliver tangible progress, address corruption, and advocate for their interests on a national stage.
For Rasamanikkam, the challenge lies in navigating this new political landscape while staying true to his principles. If he can continue to balance Tamil concerns with broader national issues, he has the potential to redefine Tamil politics and inspire a new generation of leaders.
As Sri Lanka moves forward, the question is not just whether Tamil identity politics will survive but whether it can evolve to meet the needs of a changing electorate. In Rasa manikkam, Tamil voters may have found the leader they have been waiting for—a figure who can bridge the past and the future, the local and the national, the Tamil and the Sri Lankan.
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by (2025-01-22 20:46:10)
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