The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is grappling with internal division as the Ilangei Tamil Arasu Katchi Party, a prominent faction within the alliance, has decided to support Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate from the Samagi Jana Balavega. This resolution was reached on September 16, 2024, during a special meeting held at the party’s office in Vavuniya.
Mr. Mawei Senadhiraja, the leader of the Ilangei Tamil Arasu Katchi Party, announced the party’s decision in a press briefing following the meeting. Senadhiraja emphasized that the party’s Central Committee had made the choice after comprehensive deliberations on how best to advance the rights and self-governance of the Tamil people. He highlighted the party’s long-standing struggle for Tamil rights and self-governance, underscoring that their support for Premadasa reflects their strategic aim to secure a positive resolution for Tamil issues.
Senadhiraja’s announcement marks a significant endorsement for Sajith Premadasa, reflecting a shift in the Tamil political landscape as the presidential election approaches. The Ilangei Tamil Arasu Katchi Party’s support is expected to influence Tamil voters and potentially alter the dynamics of the electoral race.
However, the decision has not been universally accepted within the party. A notable dissenting voice is MP S. Sridharan, who opposed the endorsement of Premadasa. During the special meeting, Sridharan expressed his disagreement with the party’s stance and advocated for support of Mr. Pakyaselvam Arianethran, a candidate who is seen as more aligned with Tamil interests. Sridharan criticized the other Sinhalese presidential candidates for their perceived lack of commitment to addressing Tamil concerns and fulfilling Tamil aspirations.
This internal discord within the TNA highlights the complex and often contentious nature of Tamil politics, as different factions within the alliance navigate their positions and strategic choices ahead of the election. The split reflects broader challenges in Tamil political unity and the search for a candidate who can effectively champion Tamil issues within the broader national context.
