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that longstanding issues faced by the people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces can no longer be addressed through outdated political solutions, and that it is necessary to move towards a new political framework, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.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

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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)

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Former Jaffna District MP of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) S. Sritharan called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a discussion today. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the discussion took place at the President’s Office this morning. 

During the discussion, the former TNA MP extended his wishes to the President and also engaged in a cordial discussion. (Newswire)

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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)

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Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Selvam Adaikalanathan joined Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)-led event today. 

MP Adaikalanathan attended the 321st round of the Sakwala Smart Classroom donation program of the SJB held at the Thevanpiddy Roman Catholic Tamil Maha Vidyalayam in Mannar.

MP Selvam Adaikalanathan is the head of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Movement (TELO) which is part of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

The SJB event was chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, while Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen was also present on this occasion. (Newswire)

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Shanmugam Kugathasan of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) took oaths as a Member of Parliament today.

Shanmugam Kugathasan was sworn in before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in Parliament. 

He fills the Parliamentary seat that was vacated following the demise of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member and former Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan.

ITAK’s Shanmugam Kugathasan has been appointed as a Member of Parliament for the Trincomalee District. (Newswire)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the passing of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan.

In a post on ‘X’, PM Modi said he will always cherish fond memories of meetings with the late Sampanthan. 

PM Modi further said that Sampanthan relentlessly pursued a life of peace, security, equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka and that he will be deeply missed by his followers in Sri Lanka and India.

“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of veteran TNA leader R. Sampanthan. Will always cherish fond memories of meetings with him. He relentlessly pursued a life of peace, security, equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka. He will be deeply missed by his friends and followers in Sri Lanka and India. @TNAmediaoffice,”, the Indian Prime Minister said in his message on ‘X’. 

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member and former Opposition Leader MP R. Sampanthan passed away at the age of 91 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Sampanthan’s political career spanned six decades, with his first stint in the Sri Lankan parliament starting in 1977. Having served in five parliaments, he was the incumbent MP for Trincomalee District in 1977.

Sampanthan led the Tamil National Alliance since 2001 and was a Member of Parliament continuously from 2001 until his demise. He was the Leader of the Opposition from September 2015 to December 2018. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has expressed his condolences over the demise of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament and former Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan.

In a post on ‘X’, MP Premadasa said late MP Sampanthan’s dedication to equal rights for all Sri Lankans is a beacon of hope.

MP Premadasa added that the late MP’s fair and just leadership will continue to inspire him and many others. 

“Today, we mourn the loss of Mr. Sampanthan, who served Sri Lanka for over half a century. His dedication to equal rights for all Sri Lankans is a beacon of hope. His fair and just leadership will continue to inspire me and many others. Truly, it is the end of an era,” the Opposition Leader said. 

Meanwhile, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also expressed his condolences on the passing of TNA Leader R. Sampanthan.

In a post on ‘X’, the former President said Sampanthan’s demise is a loss to Sri Lanka’s political fraternity.

“My deepest condolences on the passing of TNA Leader R. Sampanthan. He was an old friend and colleague and we shared many a days discussing various issues. His demise is a loss to Sri Lanka political fraternity and may his family & friends overcome this sad loss. @TNAmediaoffice,” former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. 

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member and former Opposition Leader MP R. Sampanthan passed away at the age of 91 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Sampanthan’s political career spanned six decades, with his first stint in the Sri Lankan parliament starting in 1977. Having served in five parliaments, he was the incumbent MP for Trincomalee District in 1977.

Sampanthan led the Tamil National Alliance since 2001 and was a Member of Parliament continuously from 2001 until his demise. He was the Leader of the Opposition from September 2015 to December 2018. (Newswire)

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National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged in a discussion with members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in Jaffna on Tuesday (June 11). 

During a visit to Jaffna, MP Dissanayake held discussions with Northern politicians, including TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran and former Parliamentarians Mavai Senathirajah and Dharmalingam Siddarthan.

According to the NPP, lengthy discussions had been held on the current economic and political state of Sri Lanka during the meeting. 

During his visit, NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake also met the Vicar General of the RC Diocese of Jaffna Fr. Jebaratnam, Father Jeyakumar who is in charge of Ilawalei Catholic Mission, and several other Catholic priests and priestesses. 

The NPP Leader was accompanied by party members Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, Bimal Rathnayake, Vijith Rohan and Ajith Hadley Perera.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on the current economic and political situation in Sri Lanka and the problems faced by the people. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa called on members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) during his visit to Jaffna. 

The meeting took place at the head office of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) on Tuesday (June 11). 

According to MP Premadasa’s media unit, the meeting had taken place on an invitation extended by the TNA to the Opposition Leader.

MP Sajith Premadasa engaged in talks with the TNA during his visit to Jaffna as part of his school smart classroom donation project. 

He was accompanied by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickremaratne. 

MP M.A. Sumanthiran and former Parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah represented the TNA. (Newswire)

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A tense situation was reported in Parliament today as Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarians staged a protest against the disruption of religious observances at a temple in Vedukkunarimalai in the Nedunkerny area in Vavuniya recently.

According to the protesting MPs, the Police had disrupted religious observances conducted at the temple for the Maha Shivratri festival on March 08 and had also arrested several people, including the chief priest.

The TNA Parliamentarians holding placards informed the house of the injustice caused by the Police and called for religious freedom and the release of the arrested persons.

Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa, Chief Opposition Whip MP Lakshman Kiriella, and SJB MP Harsha de Silva called on Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakshe to provide an opportunity for the protesting TNA Parliamentarians to present their issues and provide a solution.

The Deputy Speaker announced that investigations will be conducted into the matter after which the course of action will be notified.

Also addressing the Chamber, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe revealed that a case has been filed by TNA MP Charles Nirmalanathan and is currently being debated.

The minister further said that an independent investigation will also be conducted and in the event an injustice has occurred, the court will be notified in this regard. 

The Justice Minister pointed out that the Parliament cannot interfere in the matter as it is being handled by the judiciary at present. 

Video: https://shorturl.at/iwQV9 (NewsWire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened a crucial party leader’s meeting today (Mar 11) to deliberate on the IMF proposals, which was only attended by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran representing the opposition.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat in a proactive move towards transparency and collaboration by the government, also saw the active participation of various stakeholders, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive decision-making.

During the discussions, Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardena provided insights into the ongoing negotiations with bilateral creditors, commercial creditors, and ISBs, with an optimistic outlook towards completing the process by the end of June this year.

MP Sumanthiran raised pertinent concerns regarding the lack of published technical assistance reports of the IMF which is an analysis as to why certain recommendations are made, which is a necessity for the publication of analytical data to inform parliamentary deliberations. 

President Wickremesinghe, acknowledging the importance of transparency, assured that the government would release the data to the TNA and Parliament, facilitating informed debate and decision-making.

Furthermore, the Central Bank Governor highlighted the government’s efforts in adhering to the recommendations outlined in the governor’s diagnostic report, emphasizing the commitment to a structured roadmap for implementation. 

President Wickremesinghe affirmed the government’s willingness to make these technical assistance reports available to the members of parliament and invited MP Sumanthiran and other Opposition members to attend a meeting and engage with the IMF to further discuss the proposals.

In response, MP Sumanthiran expressed his readiness to participate constructively in the dialogue, pledging support for constructive measures while highlighting areas that warrant attention and rectification.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the initiative undertaken by President Wickremesinghe underscores the government’s proactive approach to fostering transparency, accountability, and bipartisan cooperation in navigating crucial economic decisions for the benefit of all citizens.

Present at the meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe were Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane, Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha, State Ministers of Finance Shehan Semasinghe and Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwariwardena, representing the government. Representing the Opposition TNA Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran attended the meeting. (NewsWire)

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Parliament proceedings were interrupted today (Oct 06) due to a protest staged by members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on a matter related to pasture land in Batticaloa.

In September, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam highlighted the protest carried out by dairy farmers of Mayilathamadu, raising concerns over the illegal settlements in the area.

MP Rasamanickam pointed out that the farmers have been protesting over the alleged illegal settlements in the grazing lands which they have been using for over 60 years, adding that it is also reported that settlers have allegedly illegally occupied these lands, killing cows and setting the lands on fire.

Raising the matter in Parliament via a protest today, several TNA Parliamentarians, including MP Rasamanickam, called on the state authorities to intervene and prevent the destruction of cattle and land in Mayilathamadu.

The protest staged by the TNA MPs intensified as there was no response from the government due to the subject minister being absent from sittings today.

According to Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, a heated argument also broke out between ruling party MPs, including MP Pillayan, and MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam during the protest. 

The protest came to an end after Leader of the House MP Susil Premajayantha assured that the matter would be raised with the Minister of Irrigation. (NewsWire)

1/2: Now the TNA created a major stir in @ParliamentLK on a matter related to pasture land in Batticaloa. Got worse with no response from Gov as no responsible minister present to answer the question and MP Pillayan and others attempting to shout @ShanakiyanR down. pic.twitter.com/9PzG2gRMHp

— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) October 6, 2023

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