The Deputy Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance, MP Palani Digambaram, has predicted a decisive victory for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the Nuwara Eliya district during the upcoming local government elections. Speaking to the media on February 23 after a working committee meeting of the Workers’ People’s Front and the Workers’ National Union, Digambaram asserted that the plantation community, which had supported the National People’s Power (NPP) in previous elections, now feels betrayed by the government.
According to Digambaram, plantation workers supported the NPP in both the presidential and general elections, hoping for better living conditions and economic support. However, he claimed that the current administration has failed to deliver on its promises, leading to widespread disappointment among plantation communities. As a result, he said, these voters have decided not to support the NPP in the upcoming elections.
The MP also raised concerns about the security of lawmakers, stating that the government has reduced the security provided to MPs, putting their lives at risk. He warned that if any harm comes to an MP, the government should be held responsible. Furthermore, Digambaram criticized the NPP-led administration for allegedly cutting parliamentary privileges of opposition MPs who criticize the government, arguing that such actions undermine democracy and hinder national development.
Digambaram dismissed claims made by NPP MPs that Tamil representatives had failed to develop the plantation areas. He asserted that the only reason NPP politicians can now visit these areas is due to the roads and infrastructure projects initiated by past Tamil MPs. Highlighting his own contributions, he stated that significant efforts were made under his leadership to address housing issues in the plantation sector, something he claimed the current government has failed to address.
With growing dissatisfaction among plantation workers, Digambaram emphasized that the SJB is poised to reclaim local government seats, setting the stage for a political shift in the upcoming elections.
