TNA to announce its stand on polls by end of the month
Sri Lankan Tamil politician and Member of Parliament Seenithambi Yogeswaran has said the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), an amalgamation of Tamil parties, will announce by this month-end its stand on the January 8 presidential elections.
Talking to reporters in Rameshwaram on Saturday, Mr. Yogeswaran, who was there to attend a conference organised by the Hindu Makkal Katchi, said the TNA wanted to keep the cards close to its chest because it did not want its decision to influence the outcome of the elections.
He said that as both President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is seeking third term, and Maithripala Sirisena, the joint opposition candidate, were anti-Tamils, the TNA would take a stand after they released their manifestos.
Replying to a question, he said the TNA would not boycott the elections. “We will take part in the democratic process and exercise our democratic right,” he said. The government’s decision to amend the Constitution to remove the two-term limit for President sparked a wide protest in the island nation, he said.
He said the former President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, and the former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Sarath Fonseka, pledged support to Mr. Sirisena. “As of now, Mr. Sirisena’s prospects look bright.”
Mr. Yogeswaran said Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran remained powerless, and all powers were vested with the Provincial Governor, a former Army officer. Mr. Vigneswaran could not do much to the Tamils, who “are still fighting for their rights.”
The Tamils were finding it difficult to get houses, being built with India’s assistance, and more than 1,000 Tamils, displaced during the war, were detained in camps and not allowed to return to their villages, he said.
After a TNA delegation met Narendra Modi, the Tamils were hoping that the Prime Minister would help them lead a dignified life, he said.
(The Hindu)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka welcomes 2 millionth tourist, marking historic milestone December 26, 2024
- Sri Lanka Police introduces nighttime traffic rules to enhance safety December 26, 2024
- Today marks 20 years since 2004 Tsunami Disaster December 26, 2024
- Wasantha Handapangoda passes away December 25, 2024
- PM Harini Amarasuriya calls for togetherness, gratitude, and peace this Christmas December 25, 2024
Mr Seenithambi,
Keep your judgement on Sri Lankan leaders to yourself. We all know that the TNA considers all non-tamils as anti-tamils.
If the TNA wants to be a frog in the well, please do so.
If the TNA wants to become a true patriot, come join us, the Sri Lankans.
You say TNA wants to keep options close to its chest. I am sorry, you are wrong; the TNA is good at keeping things close to it’s bottom.
You speak of grandiose things, democratic rights, fighting for rights, dignified life etc and you are on Indian soil attending a conference.
Do you realise the freedoms enjoyed by TNA today were gifted to you by brave and patriotic, youthful Sinhala Buddhist soldiers, boys and girls, who blood-sacrificed their lives to retrieve the TNA from the evil clutches of the Sun God. At that time, where was TNA? Were you in the front line in the battlefront? You were hiding behind the bulging bottom of your late leader, Mr VP.
The CM Mr Vigneswaran remains powerless because he is stupid and living in a dream world hallucinating that he is born-again Hindu God who come to earth to save the Tamils.
JRJ did the right thing when he banned the federal Party. The TNA should be banned forever and our Tamil speaking brethren in the North and East can lead a normal life as citizens of Sri Lanka.
Go away you stink; we don’t want your stinky vote.