Sri Lanka Tamil party was given strong mandate to negotiate a political solution - GTF
Saturday, August 22, 2015
The UK-based Diaspora Tamil organization, Global Tamil Forum (GTF) says the Tamil people in Sri Lanka have given the main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and its leader a strong mandate to negotiate a political solution.
Congratulating the TNA and its leader R. Sampanthan on their resounding election victory in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, the GTF said the Tamil people have also sent a clear message to the new Sri Lankan government and to the international community that they are firmly behind the TNA and its leadership.
The Tamil National Alliance secured 16 seats in Sri Lanka's parliament at the August 17 general elections.
"It is clear that the Tamil people are anxious to see political solution on the basis of TNA's manifesto commitments to the long standing Tamil national question, to ascertain truth and accountability through the full and honest implementation of the relevant UN resolutions and processes, and to address the matters of immediate concerns for the Tamil people without any further delay," GTF said in a statement.
The diaspora organization, which has worked with the TNA for several years, said it seeks the full support of the international community, including India, to help implement the legitimate demands of the Tamil people through a negotiated political solution.
"The citizens of Sri Lanka have once again voted for positive change in Sri Lanka, and to consolidate the progressive change that began with the January 8th 2015 presidential election."
GTF also congratulated Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, the leader of the United National Party, and President Maithripala Sirisena on this "remarkable election outcome" and expressed hope that they will continue the progressive work of the last eight months with more vigor and purpose.
"GTF would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to recognize and respect the wishes of the Tamil people, and to work with TNA and all other relevant stakeholders to achieve equality, justice, peace, respect and prosperity for Tamil people," the statement said.
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