TNA coming out with political formula soon – R. Sampanthan

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is coming out with a political formula soon attaching importance to self-determination, distinct and comprehensive autonomy to the historical homeland of Eelam Tamils to solve the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the press today (Tuesday) at the ITAK office located on Martin Road in Jaffna veteran Tamil politician and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentary Group Leader R. Sampanthan said a political formula to resolve the ethnic question of Eelam Tamils is being drafted and it will be presented soon to Sri Lankan government, Indian government and to the International Community.

He said they are hopeful about getting India’s support to their political formula.

“All powers such as land, agriculture, industries and security powers should be in hands of Tamils,” the TNA leader said, adding, “financial management including authority to raise funds inside and outside of the island are also crucial.”

Mr. Sampanthan told the press that Tamil diaspora is keen to invest in the North and East and the TNA is communicating with the interested persons. He said they are also engaged in planning with foreign governments.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has thrown all formulas such as the 13th Amendment, 13+, 13++ etc. to the dustbin but because of intense international pressure Mr. Rajapaksa sometimes talk about considering 13th Amendment as a beginning.

The President is not interested in it anymore as pressure on him from JVP and other Sinhala parties is mounting everyday, Sampanthan said.

The TNA leader said in a recent meeting with the Indian Foreign Minister they had expressed their willingness to work along with the Indian government and the Indian FM has reciprocated by assuring his government’s cooperation, Mr. Sampanthan said.

This is the first time the TNA is coming out with its own political formula to resolve the ethnic conflict.

Sampanthan, Mavai Senathiraja, Suresh Premachandran, Gajendrakumar Ponnampalam, Pathmini Sithamparanathan, Solemon Siril and Thuraratnasingham were present at the press conference.

In the press conference Mavai Senathirajah said some quarters are trying to misguide people through false propaganda that there is dissention in the TNA.

“There is no division in TNA and it is the one and only political alliance that cannot be broken through conspiracy,” Mr. Senathirajah said.