The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has officially extended its congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) on their landmark victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections. The organization hailed this achievement as a reflection of the people’s trust in the NPP’s vision for transformative governance.
In its letter, the CTC expressed optimism that the NPP would deliver on its promises of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, as outlined in the party’s manifesto. They highlighted that this victory presents a historic opportunity for Sri Lanka to reform its governance framework, specifically by abolishing the executive presidency and introducing a new constitution rooted in democracy, equality, and the protection of minority rights, including those of the Tamil community.
The letter outlined a series of proposals aimed at fostering reconciliation and building trust among all communities:
Key Proposals by the Canadian Tamil Congress
- Release of Political Prisoners:
The CTC emphasized the importance of immediately releasing all remaining political prisoners as a critical step toward national reconciliation and unity. - Repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA):
The letter urged the government to honor its manifesto promise to repeal the PTA, a controversial law that has been widely criticized for perpetuating human rights violations and injustices. - Restoration of Land Rights:
The CTC called for the military to return private lands in the Northern and Eastern provinces to their rightful owners and cease illegal land acquisitions. This step, they argued, would rebuild trust and restore the legal rights of affected communities. - Protection of Religious and Cultural Rights:
The organization urged the government to safeguard Tamil cultural and religious heritage, prevent encroachments on Tamil religious sites, and halt the construction of new Buddhist temples in predominantly Tamil areas. - Implementation of the 13th Amendment and Provincial Council Elections:
Until a new constitution is enacted, the CTC emphasized the need for fully implementing the 13th Amendment and conducting provincial council elections to empower local governance and ensure fair representation. - Security Sector Reform:
The CTC recommended scaling down the military presence in the Northern and Eastern provinces to align with national norms and ending military involvement in commercial activities such as farming and hospitality, which disrupt local businesses.
A Call for Action
The CTC stated that these measures would demonstrate the sincerity of the NPP in honoring its promises, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable Sri Lanka. They also stressed the need for urgent action on these issues to build trust and ensure justice for all communities, particularly the Tamil population.
The letter further highlighted the critical role of the international community, urging President Dissanayake’s government to foster stronger relationships with global partners while prioritizing human rights and reconciliation.
CTC’s Commitment to Cooperation
The Canadian Tamil Congress assured its readiness to support initiatives that promote justice, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. They also encouraged the Tamil diaspora worldwide to collaborate with the new government to advance the well-being and rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, the CTC reiterated its belief that the NPP’s overwhelming mandate provides a unique opportunity to reshape the country’s future and ensure a just, inclusive, and democratic Sri Lanka.
