Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 1, 2024
The Ilangei Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has officially announced its support for Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election. This significant endorsement was confirmed by ITAK Media Spokesman and Member of Parliament M. A. Sumanthiran during a press conference held today.
ITAK, the leading political party representing the Dravidian National Organization, has played a pivotal role in Tamil politics in Sri Lanka. The decision to back Premadasa marks a critical alliance in the political landscape as the election approaches.
In a related development, ITAK has also decided to withdraw its support for P. Arianethran, who was previously nominated as the Tamil common candidate for the presidential election. The party’s Central Committee has urged Arianethran not to contest, indicating a strategic consolidation of Tamil political support behind Premadasa’s candidacy.
This endorsement by ITAK is expected to strengthen Premadasa’s position in the election, particularly in regions with significant Tamil populations. The upcoming election promises to be closely contested, with alliances such as this potentially influencing the final outcome.