Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) member M.A. Sumanthiran has welcomed the voluntary resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over the substandard coal procurement scandal, but strongly criticized the government and National People’s Power (NPP) members of Parliament for defending him and voting to retain him in office.

In a statement on ‘X’, former MP Sumanthiran noted that it was unacceptable that the government and NPP MPs continued to shield him despite the administration itself conceding that the coal imported was below standard.

“The resignation of the Minister must be lauded; but in the same breath, the government and NPP members of Parliament must be condemned for defending him and voting to retain him as Minister even after the government itself conceded that the coal was in fact substandard,” Sumanthiran said.

He further pointed out that Jayakody is also facing a separate indictment by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in another case, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency in governance.

Kumara Jayakody stepped down from his ministerial portfolio of Energy yesterday (17) to ensure a transparent investigation by the newly appointed special Presidential Commission into the substandard coal procurement. (Newswire)

The post Sumanthiran welcomes Jayakody’s resignation, condemns Govt defence appeared first on Newswire.

Civil society group Justice for All has requested a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior government officials to discuss pressing socio‑economic challenges facing Sri Lanka.

In an open letter dated April 10, Convenor M. A. Sumanthiran outlined concerns raised during a consultation held on April 7, which examined the impact of the war in West Asia on Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, economy, education, health, and food security.

The letter emphasized the need for national preparedness and public information to address short, medium, and long‑term challenges. 

Key recommendations included adopting a neutral foreign policy with humanitarian considerations, strengthening economic planning, decentralizing decision‑making in education and health, and urgent measures to safeguard food security amid global supply chain disruptions.

Justice for All noted that similar initiatives were undertaken during the 2022 economic crisis to foster dialogue and consensus, and expressed hope that the government would engage constructively in the upcoming discussions. (Newswire)

The post ‘Justice for All’ seeks meeting with President on socio-economic challenges appeared first on Newswire.

Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran has clarified that a resolution reportedly passed by the Pachchilaipalli Pradeshiya Sabha has no connection to the party and, in fact, runs contrary to ITAK’s principles. 

In a statement on social media, he stressed that neither the party nor its leadership had any involvement in the move, and reiterated that council chairmen under ITAK’s influence have already been instructed not to engage in such activities.

Sumanthiran further noted that matters relating to international affairs are handled at other responsible levels, and the party will investigate the background in which the resolution and its Tamil translation were created before taking appropriate action. 

He pointed out that the chairman concerned had already been subjected to disciplinary measures and suspended from party membership, making the incident all the more significant. (Newswire)

The post US-Iran conflict : Sumanthiran denies ITAK link to Pachchilaipalli PS resolution appeared first on Newswire.

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has announced its opposition to the government’s “Prajashakthi” programme.

ITAK media spokesperson and former MP, M.A. Sumanthiran, pointed out that this is a mechanism carried out based on a political party.

He noted that it operates in parallel to the state machinery and sets a wrong precedent.

The former MP further stated that development activities, which should be carried out by elected local government representatives, are instead being undertaken through the “Prajashakthi” programme, thereby obstructing the functions of those institutions.

He emphasized that the program is contrary to the Constitution and added that legal action will be taken against it in the future. (Newswire)

The post ITAK opposes Govt’s ‘Prajashakthi’ program appeared first on Newswire.

The Government believes that longstanding issues faced by the people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces can no longer be addressed through outdated political solutions, and that it is necessary to move towards a new political framework, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

President Dissanayake further said that the support of everyone is essential for the new political framework.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (19), following a request made by the TNA. Discussions focused on the Provincial Council elections and the need for a new Constitution. 

The meeting also included discussions on long-standing regional issues such as fisheries disputes, land concerns and the need for improved infrastructure and development in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. At the same time, the President issued immediate directives to the relevant officials to ensure that solutions would be implemented for certain issues raised by the TNA representatives. 

The President’s Office said that the TNA representatives noted that their party is prepared to extend full cooperation to any government project aimed at the development of the Northern Province. 

Meanwhile, former Member of Parliament M. A. Sumanthiran said the TNA, as a political party representing the Tamil people, is ready to support any government decision taken against extremism. 

In a post on ‘X’, Sumanthiran said, during the meeting that took place for over 1 1/2 hours, the TNA pointed out to the President that the party stood for a meaningful power-sharing arrangement within a federal structure, by whatever name it is called.

“We also pointed out that the first promise in the President’s Election Manifesto (page 230) was to speedily complete the 2016-2019 constitutional reform process. Although there was no agreement with the eventual draft, when the Steering Committee discussed the Principles of Devolution at its 31st meeting, there was agreement on 14 matters (I handed a copy to the President; he and I were both members of the steering committee),” he said.

Sumanthiran went on to note that the TNA also pointed out that from the Banda-Chelva pact, to the Dudley-Chelva pact, and to the post-13th Amendment reform proposals (1993, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2007 and 2019), all of them were in the same direction towards greater devolution to the provinces. 

“The JVP also had agreed to this in the last process of 2016-2019, which is what the President had promised in his Election Manifesto. We categorically stated that nothing new needs to be started – we only have to complete the process based on all the previous agreements,” Sumanthiran added. 

TNA Members of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, P. Sathiyalingam, G.Srinesan, S. Sridharan, T. Raviharan, K. Kodishwaran, K. S. Kugathasan, together with former MPs M. A. Sumanthiran and C. V. K. Sivagnanam, participated in the discussion. Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, were also present. (Newswire)

The post President meets TNA : Details of the meeting revealed appeared first on Newswire.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has called on all Tamil members of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP), including Trincomalee MP and Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, to resign immediately over the government’s response in relation to the recent issue of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee. 

A tense situation was reported yesterday after a group attempted to place a Buddha statue at a Dhamma school in a temple in the area last night. The Police were deployed to contain the situation, after which the statue was removed from the site. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said the statue was removed due to information of possible vandalism, adding that steps were taken to place the statue at the Dhamma school today, and that special police protection would be provided for its safety. 

Commenting on Minister Wijepala’s statement, ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran said the government and Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala have given in to the undue pressures of the majoritarian forces.

“Last night, when the Police removed the illegally installed statue on the Trincomalee beach on the orders of the Minister, some people actually thought that the government was acting properly without any racist mindset. Alas! That was short-lived as the Minister demonstrated in Parliament that this government’s feet are also made of clay,” the former MP said in a statement on ‘X’.

Sumanthiran further pointed out that the government’s rhetoric of treating all the people equally fell flat on its face when the Minister unashamedly announced in Parliament that the statue was removed due to security concerns and that it would be reinstalled today. 

“The NPP government stands exposed as a racist, Sinhala Buddhist nationalist force, no different to any other government in the past. All Tamil members of the NPP, including Trincomalee MP and deputy minister @arunhema19, must resign forthwith,” he added. (Newswire)

The ITAK is utterly dismayed by the conduct of the government and public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala for tamely giving into the undue pressures of the majoritarian forces. Last night when the Police removed the illegally installed statue on the Trincomalee beach on the…

— M A Sumanthiran (@MASumanthiran) November 17, 2025

The post ITAK demands Deputy FM’s resignation appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has met Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) General Secretary, former MP M. A. Sumanthiran, briefing him about the joint opposition rally organized for November 21. 

In a post on ‘X’, MP Namal Rajapaksa said he briefed Sumanthiran on the 21st public rally organized by the opposition against the National People’s Power (NPP) government and its failures to fulfil its pledges to the people. 

“While ITAK is not part of the rally, as a key opposition party, it’s important for us to keep them informed about the agenda and the critical issues we are addressing,” he said. 

MP Namal Rajapaksa further said that both parties share the view that the long-postponed provincial council elections, continually delayed under the current government, must be held without further postponement. 

“These elections are essential for strengthening local governance, and it is vital that they proceed in accordance with the Constitution,” he added. (Newswire)

The post Namal briefs ITAK on Joint Opposition rally appeared first on Newswire.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has sent a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting a meeting to address the Tamil national question. 

In the letter addressed to the President, the ITAK points out that despite the President having promised in his election manifesto to address the issue, no steps seem to have been taken in that regard.

The ITAK further said that, as the premier Tamil political party, it is ready to engage in discussions with the government to resolve the matter, and for the President to allocate a time for the meeting. (Newswire/ image file pic)

The post ITAK seeks meeting with President appeared first on Newswire.

Former MP M.A. Sumanthiran has slammed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for hinting at his executive powers over the matter of establishing power in local councils. 

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary said the President was making threats, such as the 2/3rd majority in Parliament and his executive powers over the matter. 

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake threatens he has 2/3rd in Parliament, and stranger (or is it?), he refers to Executive power in his hands! Power corrupts and absolute power (indeed) corrupts absolutely,” Sumanthiran said.

The former MP further questioned the President’s calculation on securing a majority in Jaffna, adding “Arithmetic also goes out of the window when he claims 10/41 in Jaffna Municipal Council is majority!!”.

Sumanthiran’s remarks concern the recent statement made by President Dissanayake, where he questioned the alliances being formed by opposition parties to claim a majority in local councils. 

“How can a collection of scraps challenge the mandate?” President AKD questioned, addressing a public meeting.

He further warned that any attempt to hijack the public mandate given to the National People’s Power (NPP) will be met with stern action, reminding that he holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament. (Newswire)

The post “Power corrupts”, Sumanthiran slams President AKD appeared first on Newswire.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has issued a stern warning to the Anura Kumara Dissanayake government, demanding an immediate halt to land acquisition activities in the Jaffna region. 

ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran, speaking at the party’s May Day rally held at Weerasingham Hall yesterday, accused the government of betraying its promises to return land to its rightful owners.

“During the election, you pledged to return the people’s lands and release those held by the military. However, upon assuming power, you have initiated land acquisition, a move we vehemently oppose,” Sumanthiran stated to a gathering of party members and supporters.

He specifically called for the immediate withdrawal of the land acquisition gazette, labelling the government’s actions as unacceptable.

“Immediately stop acquiring lands contrary to your promises. In particular, the land acquisition gazette should be withdrawn immediately. Otherwise, we will make it impossible for you to set foot in Jaffna,” he warned. 

Prior to the May Day meeting, Sumanthiran had also addressed the land acquisition issue in a Facebook post, highlighting a recent government gazette notification. 

“Notice has been issued under Section 4 of the Land Settlement Ordinance in Gazette No 2430 dated 28.03.2025, only in English and Sinhala, stating that a total of 5,940 acres of land in the Northern Province would be declared as State Land if no claims are received within a period of 3 months,” the post read. 

To assist potential claimants, Sumanthiran announced, “A team of lawyers will be available to assist the claimants to forward their claims with legal assistance from today(02 May). (Newswire)

The post Sumanthiran warns Govt over Jaffna land acquisition appeared first on Newswire.

Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary and former MP M.A. Sumanthiran has called on the National Election Commission to conduct an inquiry into the use of a temple’s premises for the election rally of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Jaffna recently. 

Addressing the media, Sumanthiran said a complaint had been filed with the Election Commission in this regard, but no action has been taken yet.

“When a complaint was filed regarding PM Harini Amarasuriya’s election rally being held at a temple premises in Jaffna, Election Commission officials went to the site. But the PM’s security personnel did not allow the Election Commission officials to enter, and they returned. The National Election Commission has been granted powers to administer and oversee election activities in the country,” he said. 

Sumanthiran challenged that if the National Election Commission had a backbone, then it would immediately take action in this regard, as it is vested with the relevant powers.

“Per the laws, following the announcement of an election, the Police Department falls under the purview of the Election Commission. The law and the Constitution state this. The Election Commission is not using any of these powers, even though it is an independent commission. As such, all these unlawful activities are taking place,” he said.

Stating that the Election Commission does not have the backbone to inquire or address these issues, Sumanthiran said the government, which has claimed to uphold good governance and the rule of law, is seen blatantly violating these within six months of power. (Newswire)

The post PM Harini violated Election laws – Sumanthiran appeared first on Newswire.

Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary and former MP M.A. Sumanthiran has raised concerns over President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent statement regarding the allocation of funds for Local Councils ahead of the election.

Taking to ‘X’, Sumanthiran said that it was regrettable that the President has chosen to repeatedly offer bribes to voters by stating that funds will be more easily allocated to councils governed by NPP and not to others. 

Sumanthiran pointed out that this was false as it is an election offence. 

“This is all the more serious as Article 33 (c) of the Constitution stipulates that one of the functions of the President is to ensure the creation of proper conditions for the conduct of free and fair elections, at the request of the Election Commission. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Will the Election Commission of Sri Lanka Act?” he questioned. 

Concerns have been raised by several political parties after the President had recently said during a political rally for the Local Government Councils, that he would easily allocate money to councils governed by the National People’s Power (NPP) and not to others. 

While addressing a rally organised for the upcoming local government elections, the President said that approving funds for local councils under NPP control can be done instantly. 

However, the same cannot be done for councils run by other parties, as they have been found to be corrupt in the past and require thorough consideration, he added.

The statement was made in view of the Local Government Elections, which are scheduled for 06 May 2025. (Newswire)

The post Sumanthiran accuses President AKD of repeatedly offering bribes to voters appeared first on Newswire.

Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary and former MP M.A. Sumanthiran has welcomed the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom (UK) Government on four individuals, three of whom are former military commanders of the Sri Lankan armed forces.

“We welcome the sanctions imposed by the UK today, which include former senior Sri Lankan military commanders, and a former LTTE military commander who later led the paramilitary Karuna Group, operating on behalf of the Sri Lankan military against the LTTE,” Sumanthiran said in a statement on ‘X’ on Monday.

The UK Government on 24 March announced it has imposed sanctions on four individuals responsible for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lankan civil war.

The individuals sanctioned by the UK are former Head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander, Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Jagath Jayasuriya, and former military commander of the LTTE, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan aka Karuna Amman.

The UK Government said the measures, which include UK travel bans and asset freezes, target individuals responsible for a range of violations and abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, torture and/or perpetration of sexual violence, during Sri Lanka’s civil war. (Newswire)

The post Sumanthiran welcomes UK sanctions appeared first on Newswire.

Former Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran has questioned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s actions to bring bus-loads of people from other districts for an event in Jaffna. 

In a statement on social media, former MP Sumanthiran said for some strange reason, the President had brought a few thousand people in buses to Jaffna last evening and had addressed them.

Questioning why the President had done so, Sumanthiran pointed out that the President would have faced less travel cost if he had, instead, addressed the people in their own districts. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed a political event of the National People’s Power (NPP) in Jaffna yesterday.

Commenting on the rally, the President had claimed that this was the largest crowd he had ever addressed in Jaffna. (Newswire)

The post “Why did you bring people from other districts” Sumanthiran asks President AKD appeared first on Newswire.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member M. A. Sumanthiran has highlighted the need for political solutions and collaboration, stating that the party has no objections to working with the Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led government. 

Addressing the media, former Parliamentarian Sumanthiran revealed that at several recent meetings, the opinion was that ministerial portfolios offered by the government must not be accepted. 

“There was also an opinion that we must not join the central government until a permanent political solution is given,” he said. 

Sumanthiran pointed out that, however, that was not the policy of the TNA, stating that if the government makes an offer of collaboration it should be considered.

Stating that the TNA will not engage in any actions for the sake of ministerial portfolios, the former TNA MP said when an effective programme is presented everyone must move forward together. 

“We can discuss with them and seek solutions to the fundamental needs of our people, including a political solution. At the same time, we hope to work together to combat fraud and corruption,” he added. (Newswire)

The post Is TNA open to accepting Ministerial portfolios in the NPP Govt? appeared first on Newswire.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) says it has taken an unreserved official decision to support Opposition leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate MP Sajith Premadasa in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Taking to ‘X’, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. Sumanthiran said that the ITAK’s decision announced on 1st September in Vavuniya remains unchanged. 

“That is the position of every member of our party including myself. There is absolutely no confusion with regard to that position,” MP Sumanthiran added. 

Last week, following its central committee meeting, ITAK announced that it will extend its support for MP Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming Presidential polls.

However, uncertainty has arisen after President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with ITAK Leader MP Mavai Senathirajah at his residence in Kankasanthurai, Jaffna last week.

Following the meeting, ITAK’s Senathirajah emphasized that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expected to be elected as the president, carries a significant responsibility to address and resolve the longstanding issues faced by the Tamil community in the North.

However, MP Sumanthiran has clarified that the ITAK has taken an unreserved official decision to support MP Sajith Premadasa. (Newswire) 

The post Sumanthiran says No change in ITAK’s position to support Sajith Premadasa appeared first on Newswire.

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) says the party will announce which candidate it will support in the 2024 Presidential Election after the candidates unveil their policy statements.

The Central Committee of ITAK convened in Vavuniya on Sunday (Aug 18), with all its members attending the meeting.

A tense situation was also reported at the meeting after several members had shared various views on which candidate the party should extend its support to in the 2024 Presidential Election.

However, addressing the media, ITAK and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A.Sumanthiran said a decision on which candidate to support will be made upon the candidates revealing their policy statements. 

MP Sumanthiran said the ITAK has already held discussions with the three main presidential candidates, while talks had also been held with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa. 

“Namal Rajapaksa himself had told that he was unsure of victory. The three main candidates are yet to unveil their policy statements. Therefore, we have decided that once the policy statements are presented, we will take a final decision on which candidate to support in the election,” MP Sumanthiran said. (Newswire) 

The post ITAK to decide on Presidential candidate based on policy statements appeared first on Newswire.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs M.A. Sumanthiran and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam have engaged in discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong.

Taking to ‘X’, the TNA said the MPs from the Jaffna and Batticaloa Districts had held very cordial and useful discussions with the Chinese Ambassador on Monday.

The TNA further said the discussion focussed on current affairs and the concerns of the Tamil People of the North and East. (Newswire)

The post TNA MPs hold talks with Chinese Ambassador appeared first on Newswire.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. Sumanthiran believes the common candidate idea is a very bad one as it will make the Tamil cause weak.

Taking to ‘X’, MP Sumanthiran said this was not an election one could use to send a message on Tamil issues.

“This is not a referendum on the right of self-determination,” he further said.

Meanwhile, in a recent televised interview, MP Sumanthiran revealed that the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) believed that a common Tamil presidential candidate was destined to fail.

Stating that the common Tamil candidate will fare very badly in the upcoming elections, MP Sumanthiran said “This is a crazy idea and we have publicly condemned it.”

He further said that the ITAK  has already spoken to two candidates and the party will soon decide who it will support in the Presidential Election. (Newswire)

The post Sumanthiran opposes Tamil Common Candidate concept appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered to dismiss the Fundamental Rights (FR) Petition filed by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran challenging the Speaker’s signing of the Online Safety Bill into law.

Filing the petition, MP Sumanthiran challenged the passing of the Online Safety Bill in Parliament, calling on the Supreme Court to issue an order that how the bill was passed in Parliament was against the law. 

MP Sumanthiran had claimed that the Online Safety Bill has not been adopted legally as the government had failed to include the Supreme Court’s determination on the said Bill at the time it was being passed in Parliament.

However, Supreme Court justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Wengappuli refused leave to proceed with the petition without taking it up for examination. (NewsWire)

The post Online Safety Bill : SC dismisses MP Sumanthiran’s petition appeared first on Newswire.