Udaya Gammanpila, a lawyer for the Sarvajana Balawa Colombo district candidate, has announced that the Ilankei Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Party plans to join the National People’s Power (NPP) government after the upcoming elections. This strategic alliance comes with specific conditions, including the appointment of Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran as the foreign minister in the new government.
Gammanpila outlined two key conditions for ITAK’s collaboration with the NPP: the introduction of a federal constitution for Sri Lanka and the implementation of United Nations Resolution 30/1, which was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in 2015. This resolution calls for accountability regarding human rights violations that occurred during the country’s protracted civil conflict, particularly concerning military personnel involved in counter-terrorism operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of certain police officials and their handling of sensitive investigations, particularly regarding the Easter attack in 2019, which raised significant national security concerns. Gammanpila specifically demanded the removal of Mr. Ravi Seneviratne from his position as Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, arguing that individuals facing accusations related to serious national security failures should not remain in their posts.
Gammanpila’s criticisms extend to the current government’s approach to accountability, stating that the NPP’s leaders have not adequately addressed concerns regarding police officials who have faced allegations related to past incidents. He emphasized that shielding officials from scrutiny undermines public trust and accountability, further eroding the integrity of the government.
In addition to calling for transparency, Gammanpila expressed disappointment over the government’s actions since taking office, asserting that the administration has suppressed critical investigation reports linked to significant national incidents, thereby misleading the public. He argued that these actions reflect a broader pattern of misconduct and abuse of power that must be confronted.
As part of their advocacy for justice and accountability, Gammanpila indicated that the ITAK is actively mobilizing public support for their agenda, aiming to ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable for their actions. This collaboration with the NPP is framed not only as a political maneuver but also as a commitment to uphold the principles of human rights and justice essential for the stability and governance of Sri Lanka.
The potential alliance highlights the importance of addressing the complex socio-political landscape in Sri Lanka, where issues of accountability, transparency, and governance remain central to the public discourse. Gammanpila’s statements underscore the pressing need for the government to take meaningful steps toward ensuring justice and addressing the grievances of all communities within the nation.
