A division has emerged within the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) as MP Sritharan, a prominent figure in the alliance, has chosen to oppose the party’s decision and voiced his support for a Tamil common presidential candidate.
Sritharan expressed his disagreement with ITAK’s endorsement of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa for the upcoming presidential election.
ITAK’s Central Working Committee had formed a five-member subcommittee that unanimously decided to back Premadasa and issued an official statement urging the Tamil community to support his candidacy. MP M.A. Sumanthiran also delivered a speech in Jaffna, advocating for Premadasa and stressing the importance of Tamil voters from the North and East in shaping the election’s outcome.
However, Sritharan reiterated that he does not support the SJB candidate or other prominent candidates, including Ranil Wickremesinghe or Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Recently, Sritharan traveled to the United Kingdom to fundraise for P. Ariyanethiran, the Tamil common presidential candidate, reaffirming his commitment to a candidate representing Tamil interests and aspirations.
Sritharan emphasized the need for a political settlement and economic development in the North and East, issues he considers critical to the Tamil community. He also stressed that the focus should remain on advancing Tamil rights and addressing their concerns.
The ITAK leadership, including Sumanthiran, has acknowledged the SJB’s proposal for constitutional reforms, such as implementing the 13th Amendment, though ITAK continues to raise concerns over the Constitution’s emphasis on Buddhism. While ITAK recognizes that the 13th Amendment, introduced with India’s involvement, should be implemented as promised, they argue it cannot be considered a comprehensive solution to the Tamil national issue.
Sritharan also revealed that he had requested ITAK’s Central Committee delay making any decisions regarding Premadasa’s candidacy until his return from the UK. Despite receiving assurances from ITAK’s General Secretary and leader, a decision was made during his absence to support Premadasa, which Sritharan rejected.
He clarified that his position remains to support a common candidate who genuinely represents the interests of the Tamil people, rejecting any endorsements of Premadasa, Wickremesinghe, or Dissanayake. Sritharan remains firm in his commitment to back a candidate who prioritizes Tamil concerns and aspirations.
